HARDWARE ASPECTS
LSM 710 and LSM 780
Carl Zeiss
Performance and Features of the LSM 710 and LSM 780 Systems
Systems
10 M60-1-0025
e
02/2010
2.2
Performance and Features of the LSM 710 and LSM 780 Systems
Optical and Mechanical Aspects
The highly integrated system design makes for the shortest possible optical paths, top-grade optical
precision and high stability. The compact scanning module can be fitted to an inverted (Axio Observer.Z1
RP or SP) or upright (Axio Imager.Z2, Axio Imager.M2 or Axio Examiner) microscope in less than three
minutes. On the Axio Observer.Z1, the scanning module may be mounted either to the base port directly
below the microscope or to the side port.
The spectral range available extends from the UV to the IR region.
For the VIS (visible-light) Laser Module, the user can select from up to six lasers with wavelengths of 633,
594, 561, 543, 514, 488, 477 and 458 nm and the tunable laser "In
Tune
" covering the whole range
from 488 to 640 nm. The V Laser Module provides wavelengths of 405 and 440 nm (440 nm laser not in
combination with In Tune). A Ti:Sa Laser provides pulsed laser light from 680 to 1064 nm for
Multiphoton imaging (NLO). Coupling of the laser light (except the Multiphoton laser) is through
polarization-preserving single-mode optical fibers. One variable beam collimator each for the V or NLO
and visible ranges provides optimum adaptation of the respective laser wavelength to the objective used
and, thus, optimum correction for Z aberrations.
Acousto-optical tunable filters (AOTF) adjust the necessary brightness for up to 8 laser lines within
microseconds.
A monitor diode is available for service and maintenance tasks and to reuse the laser power of earlier
experiments (function depending on software implementation).
The 2,3 or 34 internal image acquisition channels (in PMT or GaAsP technology), usable for fluorescence,
and an additional transmitted-light channel are ideal for the investigation of multiple fluorescence
specimens. The diameter of the pinhole and the XY positions can be optimized, and the desired emission
can be selected. This adjustment also includes positioning along Z. For the simultaneous registration of
multiple fluorescence signals, identical optical sections can be obtained in each confocal channel.
The microscope's transmitted-light channel is equipped with a photomultiplier, too. It is therefore
possible to superimpose a multiple fluorescence image on a brightfield, differential interference or phase
contrast image.
The high-NA C-APOCHROMAT objectives especially developed for the LSM reach the physical limit in
resolving power, and can be used throughout the 380...900 nm spectral range with the same high
quality, producing brilliant images.
A two-mirror scanner system, controlled by real time electronics, offers several advantages. The large
deflection angle of the scanning mirrors allows a wide area to be scanned. With a 1.25
×
objective, the
object area scanned is 11
×
11 mm².
The scanning field size can be freely selected between 4
×
1 and 6144
×
6144 pixels.
It is possible to rotate the XY scanning field through 360° and carry out XY scans without having to
rotate the specimen itself under laser radiation load.
Selection of the specimen detail of interest for zooming is fast and convenient, and the zoomed image is
automatically centered. This saves the job of placing the specimen into the center with the microscope
stage.
Using a bi-directional scanning facility will double the scanning rate to approx. 8 frames/sec (at 512
×
512
pixels); if two different laser wavelengths are used for the two scanning directions (wavelength 1 for left-
to-right, and wavelength 2 for right-to-left scanning), two fluorescent dyes can be viewed and
documented in a quasi-simultaneous mode. This will prevent cross talk between detection channels.
