Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a widely used technique in the life sciences for making high-quality images of biological samples. The samples are illuminated by a focused laser beam which is scanned over the sample in order to visualize fluorescent markers. Emission from each position is detected by a point detector and a pinhole removes out of focus emission light to improve contrast and resolution. CLSM results in optical sectioning and a 3D reconstruction of the sample can be made.

The Leica SP8 has high spectral freedom on both the excitation as the emission side. Combined with its two highly sensitive hybrid detectors, high quality confocal images can be acquired.

Specifications:

• White light laser (470 – 670 nm), up to 8 freely tunable laser lines and 2 UV Laser lines (355 nm, 405 nm)
• 2 HyD (sensitive detection) and 2 PMT detectors
• Objective lenses:

o             HC FLUOTAR L 25x/0,95 W VISIR (#506375)

o             HC PL APO 40x/1,30 OIL PH3 CS2 (#506359)

o             HC PL APO 63x1,2 W CORR UVIS CS2 (#506355)

• Flexible tuning of emission bands via acousto-optical beam splitter (AOBS)
• Possibility of spectral imaging, (UV) photo-stimulation and resonant scanner
• Live cell imaging: Temperature and CO2 incubator