Confocal Microscope Usage Regulations

Room LS 616

I. User Qualification Procedures
II. Independent User Certification Procedures
III. Penalties for Improper Operation
IV. Other Usage Regulations
  A. Fluorescent Light Source and Laser
  B. Software Settings
  C. Data Backup
  D. Equipment Malfunction Reporting
V. Usage Fees

I. User Qualification Procedures

1. Must have attended a microscopy training course or have taken a related course on confocal microscopy.

2. Complete the Department of Life Sciences Room 616 Equipment Usage Agreement Form and submit it to Room LS 603.

3. Complete the Room 616 Equipment Reservation Form and submit it to Room LS 603.

4. Contact the teaching assistant and complete the reservation process at least three days in advance.

II. Independent User Certification Procedures

1. Must have attended a microscopy training course or have taken a related confocal microscopy course.

2. Must complete three supervised practice sessions with the teaching assistant, with a total duration of at least three hours.

III. Penalties for Improper Operation

If a user operates the microscope improperly:

1. First offense: The user and their advisor will receive a formal warning.

2. Second offense: The user will be suspended from use for one week.

3. Third offense: All users from the offender’s laboratory will be suspended for two weeks.

4. The user’s laboratory will also be held responsible for repair costs and damages related to the incident.

IV. Other Usage Regulations

A. Fluorescent Light Source and Laser

1. All power sources must be turned off before leaving the room.

2. To protect and extend the lifespan of the light sources, the laser/fluorescent lamp must be cooled for at least 30 minutes before being turned on again.

3. If continuous use is required, the next user must notify the previous user in advance not to turn off the laser/light source. It is recommended that each user notify the next user before shutting down the system.

4. Turning on the laser/fluorescent lamp without waiting for 30 minutes will be considered improper operation.

B. Software Settings

1. To ensure consistent operation, users are strictly prohibited from altering any default microscope software settings.

2. Users may save their own scan settings under a new file name or reuse existing scan parameters.

3. Any user who modifies default software settings without authorization will be considered to have operated improperly.

C. Data Storage and Backup

1. Users are strongly advised to back up their data immediately after each imaging session.
    Please use CD/DVDs for data storage. Do not use external portable hard drives.

2. The system administrator will periodically delete data stored on the public computer after prior announcement.

D. Equipment Malfunction Reporting

If any equipment malfunction or abnormality is observed:

1. Record the issue in the logbook.

2. Notify both the equipment assistant and the teaching assistant.

3. In emergencies, immediately contact Professor Su, Cheng-Yuan (Ext. 3527) or Instrument Assistant Tsai, Yun-Chieh (Ext. 3531).

V. Usage Fees

1. Currently limited to users from the Department of Biotechnology or collaborating faculty from other departments.

2. Usage fee: NT$200 per hour (time counted from when the light source is turned on).

3. Teaching assistant guidance fee: NT$500 per session.

4. Non-department users will be charged double the standard usage fee.