FAQs

Training is usually 2-4 hours per instrument.  A representative sample is generally helpful.

  • Conventional Light Microscopy - usually consists of 1, 2 hour session but training time depends on the trainee’s experience and needs.  A representative sample is strongly encouraged for the training.
  • Confocal Microscopy - usually consists of 2, 2 hour sessions but training time depends on the trainee’s experience and needs. A representative sample is strongly encouraged for the training.
  • Transmission Electron Microscope Training JEOL - usually consists of 2, 1.5 hour sessions but depends on the trainee’s experience and needs. All users will be required to demonstrate competency on the instrument to be considered qualified to use the microscope alone. The hands-on training includes loading samples, instruction on critical focus, light intensity and image recording. A representative sample is strongly encouraged for the training.
  • Leica Cryostat and the Image analysis computer – these systems are not recharged.  You will still need to register in the online system and obtain a facility orientation before you are authorized to use the facility.

Yes, all Facility users must be trained by authorized Facility personnel.  This Facility is a shared resource and training by Facility personnel prevents accidental misuse.

As of February 17, 2023 for all UCSB personnel:

  • All confocal capable microscopes are recharged at $37/hr, with a 30 minute minimum with after-hours (7PM-7AM) discounted to $26/hr, with a 30 minute minimum;
  • Conventional microscope are recharged at $15/hr, with a 30 minute minimum;
  • The transmission electron microscope is recharged at $53/hr, with a 30 minute minimum.

See the Facility Rate Sheet for complete information

For campus researchers, there is no additional cost for training.  Instrument time reserved during training is recharged.

The Rate and Recharge Committee in the Office of Budget and Planning reviews all rates to insure the rates are consistent with government guidelines and UC policy.  Rates are set so that the recharge centers operate on a break-even basis without accumulating a surplus or deficit.
 

The main NRI-MCDB Microscopy Facility is located on the 5th floor of Bio II rm 5173 with additional instrumentation located in nearby rooms.

In addition to the Facility Director, the NRI-MCDB Microscopy Oversight Committee includes Dr. Kenneth KosikDr. Stu Feinstein, co-chairs other NRI and Dr. Steven Poole the chair of MCDB and Dr. Dzwokai Zach Ma of MCDB. Updated Nov 6, 2015.

In addition to the Microscopy Oversight Committee, each NIH funded major instrument has an internal advisory committee responsible for the following:

  • Maximum utilization of the instrument, including time allocation.
  • A detailed plan for the day-to-day management and safe operation of the instrument.
  • A financial plan for the long term operation and maintenance of the instrument during the post award period.
  • Considering and recommending to the NIH the relocation of the instrument within or outside the institution, if such relocation is necessary See Section VI.1.
  • Review of the Annual Equipment Usage Report.

Contact the Facility Director for committee composition as it varies by instrument.

All things being equal use #1.5 cover glass (.16-.19mm) for optical microscopy. Thinner glass (e.g. #0, #1) is not better and thicker glass (e.g. #2) can make it impossible to image at high magnification. High tolerance #1.5 cover glass can be useful for high resolution imaging.  

From a wired networked computer on campus, type " \\microscopy-nas1.nri.ucsb.edu" at the prompt in the run menu.

The Lifescience computing group has some general answers for Windows and Mac users.

No. For network security reasons the microscopy-nas1 is not accessible by wireless.