Welcome to the Advanced Microscopy and Imaging Center (AMIC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Center is a multi-user, multi-disciplinary facility that provides microscopy and imaging services in support of teaching and research for students, faculty and staff at UT system, ORNL, other institutions, and external partners. The AMIC is supported by the Core Facilities Program (CFP) (add weblink for CFP) in the Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development (ORIED) (add weblink for ORIED) and is located in the Science and Engineering Research Facility (SERF 101) on the main campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. It houses instrumentation for optical microscopy including laser scanning confocal microscopy and total internal reflection microscopy (TIRF), scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy and an X-ray MicroCT. The AMIC offers complete technical support, individual training and courses that cover both the practical applications and physical principles of microscopy. In addition, the Center provides consultations for development of microscopy projects for inclusion in grant proposals. The strength of the Center lies both in the collection of instrumentation and the technical expertise of faculty and staff associated with the facility.
Optical/Light Microscopy
- Leica SP8 confocal microscope
- Nikon Ti TIRF
- Nikon Eclipse E600
- Leica M205 FCA Stereo microscope
Electron Microscopy
- Transmission Electron Microscopy: JEOL JEM 1400-Flash TEM
- Scanning Electron Microscopy: Hitachi TM3030
X-ray Microscopy
- microCT: Zeiss Xradia Context microCT
Sample Preparation Instruments
- Wohlwend High Pressure Freezer
- Leica UC7 Ultramicrotome
- Leica VT1000S Vibratome
- Leica HostoCore AUTOCUT
- Critical Point Dryer – LADD Research Industry
- Sputter Coater – SPI-MODUL
The Microscopy Center provides instrument access and assistance to various optical and electron microscopes as well as sample preparation equipment. Users can also request full-service sample preparation by AMiC staff. Users are charged based on the number of hours they use the instruments or services.
Instrument Use
| Rates | Internal | External (Academic) |
External (commercial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leica SP8X Confocal Microscope | $45/hr | $70/hr | $120/hr |
| Nikon TIRF Microscope | $14/hr | $30/hr | $70/hr |
| Nikon E-600 Microscope | $18/hr | $22.50/hr | $50/hr |
| JEOL JEM1400 Transmission EM | $50/hr | $75/hr | $150/hr |
| Hitachi TM-3030 Scanning EM | $10/hr | $15/hr | $50/hr |
| Leica Stereo | $10/hr | $15/hr | $30/hr |
Services
| Rates | Internal | External (Academic) |
External (Commercial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibratome | $5/hr | $7.50/hr | $20/hr |
| Histocut | $5/hr | $7.50/hr | $20/hr |
| Ultracut | $10/hr | $15/hr | $30/hr |
| Critical Point Dryer | $17/hr | $30/hr | $60/hr |
| Sputter Coater | $5/hr | $7.50/hr | $20/hr |
| Wohlwend Higher Pressure Freezer | $9/hr | $15/hr | $30/hr |
| Assistance/Analysis/Additional Training* | $50/hr | $75/hr | $150/hr |
| Sample Processing | $50/hr | $75/hr | $150/hr |
*Assisted help is billed in addition to the regular instrument rate
As a multi-user facility, it is imperative that all users be trained by Center staff and work responsibly in the lab. Faculty are responsible for their staff, students and post-docs who use the facility and any costs incurred.
Access
Instruments and staff are available during regular daytime hours. Instruments are available for use after hours by individuals that have been trained as independent users.
Scheduling
Instruments are reserved on a first come first serve basis. Users are encouraged to schedule instruments or staff time in advance. To schedule time, email your request to jkolape@utk.edu, call (4-2609) or come by the Center in the Science and Engineering Research Facility room 101. Please notify us as soon as possible if any instrument reservation needs to be rescheduled or canceled.
Acknowledgements
If you publish data generated in the Center please acknowledge the Center in your publication:
“The author(s) would like to acknowledge the University of Tennessee Advanced Microscopy and Imaging Center for instrument use, scientific and technical assistance.”
Coming soon.
Jaydeep Kolape
AMIC Manager
Phone: (865) 974-2609
Email: jkolape@utk.edu
Andreas Nebenfuehr
Scientific Director
Phone: (865) 974-9201
Email: nebenfuehr@utk.edu