Nikon N-STORM 5.0

A super-resolution fluorescence microscope that localises single molecules in three dimensions to achieve resolutions roughly ten times better than conventional techniques.

Overview

The Nikon N-STORM is a single molecule localisation microscope that is capable of imaging in three-dimensions (3D) with resolutions approximately ten times better than conventional microscopy, typically ~20 nm in xy and ~50 nm in z. The system contains Mic-AO, an adaptive optics module to remove optical aberrations induced by thick samples. 

The microscope is also capable of multi-colour, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and live cell imaging. 

The system is compatible with standard slides, 35 mm dishes and 8-well chamber slides. It contains all necessary accessories for environmental control; CO2, humidity, and temperature control. 

Staff at the Centre for Dynamic Imaging can provide expert guidance on the preparation of samples and choice of fluorophores. 

Online booking
Examples of work
  • The Nikon N-STORM 5.0 in the Centre for Dynamic Imaging
    The Nikon N-STORM 5.0 in the Centre for Dynamic Imaging
  • Photo detail of the Nikon N-STORM microscope
  • Photo detail of the Nikon N-STORM microscope
  • The Nikon N-STORM 5.0 in the Centre for Dynamic Imaging
    The Nikon N-STORM 5.0 in the Centre for Dynamic Imaging
  • Photo detail of the Nikon N-STORM microscope
  • Photo detail of the Nikon N-STORM microscope

Objectives

Magnification 100x 100x
NA 1.49 1.45
Immersion media Oil Silicone Oil
Working distance (mm) 0.12 0.13

Light sources

  • 405 nm, 488 nm, 568, 640 nm lasers

Cameras

  • sCMOS cameras (Hamamatsu Orca-Flash4.0 V3)

Technological specifications (capabilities) 

Available modalities

  • 3D Single Molecule Localization (SML), (also known as PALM, FPALM, STORM, dSTORM, etc)
  • 2D SML
  • TIRF SML
  • Multi-colour SML
  • Z-stacks for thick imaging
  • Fixed cell imaging
  • Live cell imaging
  • Tissue imaging
  • Perfect Focus for drift-free imaging

Unique features

  • The N-STORM is a stable microscope platform, which enables super-resolution imaging in cells and tissues. 
  • The Mic-AO adaptive optics system removes optical aberrations to achieve more consistent and uniform resolution throughout thick samples.
  • The system enables multi-colour, 3D imaging. 
  • A 100x/1.45 Silicone Oil objective is also available. Silicone Oil has a refractive index very close to biological specimens.

Limitations

  • Ten to hundreds of thousands of camera frames need to be captured to create one super resolved image.
  • Weak staining, excessive bleaching or high levels of background can impair localisation.

Resources

  • Staff in the Centre for Dynamic Imaging can provide documentation to assist with the preparation of samples.