NEAR FIELD OPTICAL POINT MEASUREMENTS ON LIVING CELLS

描述（改编自申请人的摘要）：我们对 神经元功能和突触传递的分子控制 由于研究是使用高分辨率进行的， 衍射极限内的分子遗传学方法 光学显微镜 为了增加对中枢神经系统功能的了解， 是至关重要的，我们可以可视化的微域的行动， 分子甚至是单个分子。 近场 扫描光学显微镜（NSOM）彻底改变了光学 显微镜在物理科学中的应用， 具有可见光波长的单分子。 近日 申请人的合作者，海顿博士，已作出修改，这样的 仪器，并已证明其在生物学研究中的实用性 生命系统。 第一阶段提案的目标是确定 开发交钥匙仪器的可行性， 活细胞的衍射分辨率。 他们将开发和评估 一种自动光子反馈（PDF）仪器， 发明于爱荷华州州立大学，实现了亚衍射光学 用于活细胞研究的分辨率。 长期目标 （第一阶段和第二阶段）是开发一个集成的近场共焦 显微镜在生物学上的应用

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from applicant's abstract): Our understanding of the molecular control of neuronal function and synaptic transmission is limited because studies are performed using high resolution molecular genetic approaches within the limits of diffraction limited optical microscopy. To increase the understanding of CNS function, it is essential that we can visualize the action of microdomains of molecules or even single molecules in living systems. Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM) has revolutionized optical microscopy in the physical sciences by permitting investigations of single molecules with visible wavelengths of light. Recently, the applicant's collaborator, Dr. Haydon, has made modifications to such instrumentation and has demonstrated its utility in biological studies of living systems. The goal of this Phase I proposal is to determine the feasibility of developing turn-key instrumentation for sub- diffraction resolution of living cells. They will develop and evaluate an automated photon feedback (PDF) instrument that was recently invented at Iowa State University, to achieve sub-diffraction optical resolution for studies of living cells. The longer term objective (Phases I and II) is to develop an integrated near-field confocal microscope for biological applications.