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), and
- STORM (Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy).
Each method is unique in the required sample preparation and their relative strengths. Our facility houses SIM and STORM instruments. STED is housed in the Health Sciences… (< link to the website>).
Benefits of our SIM and STORM 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