9724353 Camper The Center for Biofilm Engineering, an Engineering Directorate supported research center, is a world recognized leader in biofilm science and engineering. One of the most valuable tools used in the study of films and coatings is a confocal scanning laser microscope (cslm) which provides the ability to study films at various depths and "ages". The Center purchased a cslm shortly after the programs initiation in 1990, and it has been used extensively since then. It has been key to over 100 papers during that span, and has been a part of over 50 theses. An outreach training laboratory centered around the cslm is being developed. The new unit will replace the original unit which is deemed obsolete. New features include the ability to use new probes, 3-dimensional visualization of the data, optical cross-sectioning and increased resolution and image clarity. The instrument will be used for programs on bioremediation, biocide efficiency, microbial-induced corrosion, oral health care, etc. ***
