Many research laboratories lack the means (and skilled technicians) to maintain a sufficient breadth of advanced microscopy and image analysis technologies. At City of Hope, we support investigators whose research requires high-quality 2D-, 3D-, and 4D-data sets, training, and comprehensive service.
Our research-grade facility and equipment perfectly enable the observation and documentation required for publications, grant proposals, and education.
The Light Microscopy Digital Imaging Core makes available the latest research platforms for automated microscopy experiments, advanced observation techniques, and sophisticated digital image processing and analysis. Our team of researchers and technicians is comprised of experienced specialists who not only provide onboarding and instruction—they also work as consulting practitioners.
The core facility has high-end workstations with the power, memory and graphics cards needed for handling large data sets. These workstations have state-of-the-art image analysis software, which can be accessed from other sites on campus. Training and support are available from core staff with significant image analysis expertise.
Note: This core is not supported by the National Cancer Institute-funded Cancer Center Support Grant.


Michael Nelson M.S.
Research Associate II
mnelson@coh.org
626-256-4673, ext. 81259
Martha Salas
Research Associate I
masalas@coh.org
- Instruction in general aspects of light and confocal microscopy
- Instruction in general aspects of digital imaging and image analysis
- Instruction in operation of Light Microscopy/Digital Imaging Core equipment
- Consultation on microscopy and imaging projects
The objective of the Light Microscopy/Digital Imaging Core is to provide leading-edge microscopy systems and expertise to City of Hope investigators needing high-quality light microscope images and data. Microscopy and imaging are rapidly evolving fields that depend increasingly on expensive equipment and skills beyond the means of most individual laboratories. We seek to provide a range of research-grade light and confocal microscope platforms for simple observations and documentation suitable for publications or grant proposals. The core also makes available the latest research platforms for automated microscopy experiments, advanced observation techniques, and sophisticated digital image processing and analysis.
Services
- Instruction in general aspects of light and confocal microscopy
- Instruction in general aspects of digital imaging and image analysis
- Consultation on microscopy and imaging projects
Microscope Systems
- Widefield: __________7 Fluorescent Systems
- Live Cell Imaging: ____5 Zeiss Observers, 1 Nikon Biostation
- Confocal: __________ 1 LSM700, 2 LSM880 Airyscan
- 2-Photon: ___________1 Prairie Ultima with Coherent Chameleon
- LaserMicroDissection: _1 Leica LMD7000
- Digital Slide Scanner_Hamamatsu Nanozoomer HT2.0
- Fluidigm Hyperion IMC
Imaging Software for Image Quantification and Presentation
- Image Pro Premier
- Imaris 3D
- AMIRA 3D
- Autoquant Deconvolution
- Visiopharm
The Hyperion imaging mass cytometer is part of Fluidigm's line of CyTOF systems which allows for tissue samples to be "imaged" and for the masses of metals to be quantified in relation to the tissue morphology at a resolution of one square micron.
The Leica lasermicrodissection microscope system has two widefield visual modes: bright field and RGB fluorescence/metal halide 120V.
The Leica MZ10F stereomicroscope features brightfield and fluorescence imaging, dual goosenecks for illumination and more.
The Leica Z16 macroscope offers objectives of 0.32xAchro, 0.5xApo, 1xApo and 2xApo, a zoom range from 0.57x to 9.1x and magnification of 1xApo and 7.1x to 115x (2xApo total mag 230x).
Olympus BX50 features observation methods: Brightfield, Phase Contrast, Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) and Fluorescence.
This microscope offers transmitted and fluorescence illumination (Exfo Xcite), upright configuration and a custom-heated stage insert.
Zeiss AxioVert 200 features observation methods like Brightfield, Phase Contrast and Fluorescence (SOLA LED).
This confocal microscope has various widefield visual modes, including Bright Field, DIC, RGB Fluorescence (Exfo Xcite-120 Available Solid State LASERs) and 405nm.
Zeiss LSM880 BRC offers various laser scanning modes, including Diode 405nm, Argon Laser 458nm, 488nm and 514nm, DPSS 561nm, and HeNe Laser 594nm.
Zeiss LSM880 Furth offers various laser scanning modes, including Diode 405nm, Argon Laser 458nm, 488nm and 514nm, DPSS 561nm, and HeNe Laser 594nm.
Zeiss Observer 7 BRC has various observation methods, including Brightfield, DIC and Fluorescence.
Zeiss Observer 7 features observation methods, such as Brightfield, DIC and Fluorescence.
Zeiss Observer II offers various observation methods, including Brightfield, DIC and Fluorescence.
Zeiss Observer Z1 offers observation methods, such as Brightfield Phase Contrast (5x only), DIC and Fluorescence.
In a given year, City of Hope conducts more than 400 clinical trials enrolling more than 6,000 patients.

City of Hope is focused on basic and clinical research in cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
