title: Open-frame system for single-molecule microscopy.
abstract: We present the design and construction of a versatile, open frame inverted microscope system for wide-field fluorescence and single molecule imaging. The microscope chassis and modular design allow for customization, expansion, and experimental flexibility. We present two components which are included with the microscope which extend its basic capabilities and together create a powerful microscopy system: A Convex Lens-induced Confinement device provides the system with single-molecule imaging capabilities, and a two-color imaging system provides the option of imaging multiple molecular species simultaneously. The flexibility of the open-framed chassis combined with accessible single-molecule, multi-species imaging technology supports a wide range of new measurements in the health, nanotechnology, and materials science research sectors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Adriel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arsenault
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Jason S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Leith
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Gil
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Henkin
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Christopher M J
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: McFaul
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tarling
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Talbot
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berard
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Francois
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Michaud
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Shane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
authors.forename: Sabrina R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Leslie
mesh_terms: D010582:Bacteriophage lambda / Q000235:genetics; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry; D004058:Diffusion; D004867:Equipment Design; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / Q000295:instrumentation; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007834:Lasers; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry; D061848:Optical Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D038761:Photobleaching; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012996:Solutions; D019809:Streptavidin / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D012996:Solutions; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D019809:Streptavidin