Super-resolution microscopy describes methods that can resolve features smaller than the classical resolution limit (~200 nm or about half the wavelength of the emitted light). Three different approaches are available on the UC-Davis main campus:
- STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion)
- SIM (Structured Illumination Microscopy)
Each method is unique in the required sample preparation and their relative strengths. Our facility houses SIM instruments. STED is housed in the Health Sciences… (< link to the website>).
Benefits of our SIM super-resolution approaches:
- Relatively simple sample preparation
- Sample preps are simple modifications of existing immunofluorescence protocols
- Can label three or four objects simultaneously
- Images are acquired on familiar inverted microscope stands
Ideally suited for:
- Subjects within ~100 um of the cover glass
- Cells, tissue sections, some model organisms
Not Suited For:
- Very thick or optically dense samples