The Microscopy and Imaging Facility (MIF) was established as an interdepartmental lab, with the purpose of aiding in the research of the museum’s scientific community.  The mission of the MIF is to provide an interdepartmental facility that contains state-of-the-art imaging instruments and image analysis software that would otherwise be too expensive for individual departments to purchase and upkeep. The MIF staff is trained to provide expert assistance in the use of all the equipment found in the lab.

     The MIF currently houses two scanning electron microscopes (SEM), each equipped with X-ray microanalysis detectors, as well as a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).  Detailed information on each individual instrument can be found at:  http://research.amnh.org/mif/instruments.

     The SEM utilizes electron optics to obtain magnifications well above that of a light microscope.  The MIF houses both a Field Emission SEM, capable of resolving details on coated samples as small as 2 nanometers, and an Environmental Pressure SEM, capable of imaging both uncoated and wet samples.  In addition to imaging each SEM can by used to study the elemental make up of samples through X-ray microanalysis.

     The CLSM is an instrument used to image small, transparent, fluorescent specimens. Its strength lies in its ability to obtain clear optical sections of such specimens without the need for mechanical sectioning. The 2-D optical sections can be reconstructed into a 3-D object for final analysis. In addition, the CLSM is capable of imaging small opaque objects using a reflected light signal. Such imaging can provide researchers with valuable quantitative volume and surface measurements that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

     The MIF also contains a computer and printing lab.  The computer lab consists of both Mac and PC workstations capable of image processing and 3-D reconstruction.  Also within the computer lab are several graphic output devices, including high quality laser jet printers and a large format poster printer.  The MIF staff is trained to assist in the use of all imaging software and graphic output devices.