Fura2 imaging with Olympus TIRF system

Posted by Andreas Bruckbauer on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/Fura2-imaging-with-Olympus-TIRF-system-tp3118966.html

Not a confocal topic but maybe someone knows:
I want to image fura2 with 340/380 nm excitation using our Olympus TIRF
system (cellR system, IX81) in widefield mode. The problem is that using the
Hg/Xe burner in the MT20 lamp, i have 20 times more power at 380 than 340
out of the objective, but a more reasonable 3 times out of the fibre. I have
a UApo/340 objective on loan, which should be suitable for 340 nm. The local
Olympus representative mentioned that the mirror in the L-shaped illuminator
can cut off some of the UV light. My question: has anyone experienced such a
problem and is it possible to change the mirror in the illuminator to a UV
reflecting one? The lens in the TIRF part of the illuminator is suitable for
405 nm, what is the transmission at 340 nm? Any suggestions welcome.