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. Please turn the chiller back on after a live imaging session.
The chiller can be turned on and off using the switch on the wall socket (see image below).
