Optical LaboratoryOptical LaboratoryOptical LaboratoryOptical Laboratory   IBOT, AS CR,
  in Pruhonice   IBOT, AS CR,
  in Pruhonice   IBOT, AS CR, 
  in Pruhonice 

© 2004 - 08  Optical Lab, IBOT, AS CR

 Welcome to the laboratory focused on light and electron microscopy and on work with the digital image.

Laboratory:  This smallest lab of the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic has been active in Pruhonice for seven years. The laboratory is situated on Lesni street No. 322, in a part of Pruhonice called Chotobuz; for more information see 'Contacts'.

Activities:  The laboratory is engaged in providing services in the field of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, digitalization, image processing and analysis, all for research purposes, primarily in the Institute of Botany. If possible our lab offers its facilities to other institutions of a similar specialization as well. The menu of available services together with the price list you can find on page 'Services' and information to the main fields of interest on page 'Topics'.

Web:  The fundamental part of this internet presentation was developed within the year 2006. The pages are further modified and enlarged. The continuously updated information concerning the Optical lab is supplied with photos made by our laboratory equipment and 'Links' on related web sites.

 About the Lab in More Detail

The Optical Laboratory of the Institute of Botany was founded in 1999. Its main ambition was to open up the area of modern techniques in microscopy and analysis in favour of our departments especially in Pruhonice.

In the field of light microscopy there is available a wide group of observational techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, Nomarski differential interference contrast or relief contrast. All of these techniques are used also with digital camera and the captured images can be furthermore analysed, edited or enhanced. There is a possibility of accentuation of selected structures (e.g. chromosomes in cells, spores, mycorrhizal structures), their analysis etc.

In 2004 the Optical laboratory extends its services to scanning electron microscopy. In this area it is specialized in visualization, eventually identification or analysis, of surface microstructures of biological specimens (e.g. organs of seed plants, fungi or lichens) in conditions allowing investigating them in their natural state. These capabilities are available in the lab thanks to the installed electron microscope FEI Quanta and its unique ESEM technology (Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy) which our institute uses as the first in botany and related branches in the Czech Republic.

Marginally the lab is engaged in macro photography and scanning, e.g. for purposes of digitalization of herbarium specimens.

The Optical Laboratory accord priority treatment to purposes and needs of the Institute of Botany and related projects, as is the Centre for Bioindication and Revitalization. The lab also cooperate with other research institutions in the Czech Republic, as is the Faculty of Sciences of the Charles University in Prague and the National Museum.

Reviewed by:  Jiri Machac, 7. 1. 2008.

 

First published:  12. 2. 2007.  Last updated:  8. 1. 2008.  Developed and maintained by:  Jiri Machac.
Copyright © 2004 - 08  Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic