Conquer the Confocal: Basics

This workshop will cover methods and supporting theory to enable attendees to become more comfortable and competent operating their ZEISS LSM 900s and 980s. Prior LSM imaging background will be helpful but not required. It is recommended that attendees secure time on their instruments after the workshop sessions to apply the shared methods on their own challenging samples. Attendees are strongly encouraged to share their images from individual sessions and interact with our Applications team through independent email threads for further optimization.

We will host this workshop virtually from the ZEISS Microscopy Customer Center (ZMCC) in Dublin, CA. This is a two-day workshop – each day will consist of a 4 hour session (including breaks). We will highlight fundamental microscopy concepts as well as hands-on time in the software with trainers to click through your workflows step by step. If possible, it is recommended for users to join the virtual workshop while sitting next to their own microscope to click along.

Topics that will be covered in this workshop include:

Introduction to Confocal

o What is a pinhole and how does optical sectioning work
o Why pixel size matters
o LSM 900 and 980 Lightpaths
o Varying Imaging Conditions
 • How to take good images (dynamic range; axial resolution and sampling; etc)
 • Speed v. Spectral Separation

Confocal Imaging Applications

o Z-stacks and axial sampling
o Tiles, positions, and focus strategies
o Time lapse imaging
o Photo manipulation module (FRET/FRAP applications)

Who should attend?

o Existing users of ZEISS LSMs (700/800/880/900/980)
o Infrequent LSM users looking for a refresher on basic and advanced LSM techniques
o Lab managers or technicians looking to improve their own skill level to better support and/or train other users of the instrument

Learning Objectives after completion of this workshop, attendees should:

o Possess an improved ability to select imaging parameters to yield high-quality images of their samples
o Have greater confidence with complex imaging setups, optimizing imaging parameters, troubleshooting on LSMs and analyzing acquired datasets
o Be connected with the North American Applications team who can support them as they work towards acquiring the best data possible

Workshop Package and Payment:

o This is a paid training.
o The investment for this 2-day virtual workshop is $800. You will receive a link to complete payment by credit card 10 weeks before your workshop date. If you require a PO to purchase training please reach out to us after registering.
o To guarantee your spot, please make sure to submit your payment by June 14th.
o Once we have received payment, we will send you a confirmation e-mail; expect to receive the link to join the Teams Webinar 1 day prior to training.