The University of Sheffield
Department of Biomedical Science

Light Microscopy Facility

Light Microscopy Facility

The Light Microscopy Facility (LMF) is a joint unit of the Department of Biomedical Science and the Department of Molecular Biology. It is also available for use by external groups.  The facility offers training and guidance in the use of a wide range of advanced microscopy techniques and systems.  Users of all levels of expertise are catered for.

We offer a range of confocal microscopes, widefield systems and image analysis software. We also have close links to other departments within the University offering allied technologies such as high-content screening; electron microscopy; flow cytometry and multiphoton microscopy.

All microscopes in the LMF are bookable through an electronic booking system that operates via the University run Google Calendar. Users must be registered with the LMF in order to use the booking system.  Please contact the LMF manager, Dr. Darren Robinson in order to be placed on the LMF register.

LMF is located in room B2 228 of the Alfred Denny building.

SystemsSystems

We offer a range of confocal microscopes, widefield systems and image analysis software.
Read more.

LMF booking calendarBooking

All microscopes in the LMF are bookable  via the University Google Calendar.
Read more.

ApplicationsApplications

We have a wide range of application services.
Read more.

Rules of the LMF

  • If in doubt always ask
  • Report all breakages / malfunctions no matter how trivial
  • Leave the system as you would expect to find it
  • Clean the objective lenses before and after use using the cleaning solutions provided
  • Do not use oil on air lenses
  • Do not move any mechanical component unless trained in its proper use
  • Users must be trained on the piece of equipment they intend to use
  • Do not use features / functions you have not been trained on
  • Any questions, please see the LMF manager
  • All data should be removed from the pc of the microscope system at the end of each session
  • No USB / external drives may be connected to pc’s within the LMF
  • All data should be moved to the BMSDataStore for retrieval (see LMF webpage for instructions)
  • Save all data in the recommended format for the system it was acquired on
  • Save all metadata where possible
  • Heating controls need to be switched on 24hrs in advance to ensure that the whole system is brought to temperature
  • Do not switch on the environmental controls if you do not need to use them
  • Switch off both the heating element and the CO2 (if used) at the end of a live-cell study