Chiller for 3D STED

3D STED alignment is very sensitive to temperature so Leica Microsystems now includes a chiller to cool the microscope stand to 21-23°C during imaging. The chiller should be left on for most imaging sessions because it takes at least 3 to 4 hours to cool the stand to a stable temperature and preferably it should be left for longer. However, for live imaging at 37°C or any temperature greater than RT the chiller should be turned off because otherwise the heater will be trying to warm the chamber while the chiller tries to cool the microscope.

The chamber will take 1 to 2 hours to warm once the chiller has been turned off and the heater turned on. Turn the heater fan to full power initially to warm the chamber. The fan speed should then be reduced once the set point has been reached. Please turn the chiller back on after a live imaging session.

The chiller can be turned on and off using the right-hand switch on the wall socket (see image below).