Leica Microsystems(Mannheim, Germany) has optimized its confocal and two-photon microscope platform, Leica TCS SP5 II, for life sciences research. It promises the broadest band of imaging speeds and resolutions ever available in a confocal microscope--from 1 to 16,000 lines per second and up to 64 megapixels per image. A true single-point confocal microscope, it combines fast frame rates, high resolution and deep tissue imaging with full multi-channel capabilities.
Its optics are designed specifically for imaging and laser manipulation; for the latter, a new optical module provides more energy in the confocal volume to produce better research results. The TCS SP5 II's broadband multi-spectral imaging capability for multi-labeled specimens is supported by a dynamic acousto-optical beam splitter (AOBS) and five-channel (simultaneous) prism spectrophotometer (SP) detection.
The system provides an intuitive interface, a 30" (76.2 cm) monitor, and application wizards for fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), electrophysiology, single molecule detection, fluorescence-lifetime imaging (FLIM) and fluorescence-correlation spectroscopy (FCS).
For more information see the TCS SP5 II page on Leica's site.
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original press release
Press Release
July 15, 2009
Improved Platform for Confocal and Two Photon Microscopy--the New Leica TCS SP5 II
High Frame Rates, Best Resolution and Deep Tissue Imaging with Full Multi-channel Capabilities
Mannheim, Germany. In close cooperation with leading research scientists, Leica Microsystems has optimized its confocal and two photon platform Leica TCS SP5 II for today's and future challenging requirements in life science research.
The new specific optics for imaging or laser manipulation provide the same excellent quality for both applications. In case of manipulation, a new optical module provides more energy in the confocal volume to achieve better research results.
The Leica TCS SP5 II features the broadest band of imaging speeds and resolutions ever available in one confocal microscope from 1 to 16,000 lines per second and up to 64 megapixels per image. As a true single point confocal, it perfectly combines fast frame rates, best resolution and deep tissue imaging with full multi-channel capabilities.
The Broadband Multi-Spectral Imaging for multi-labeled specimens is supported by the dynamic beam splitter AOBS and is further extended by expanding the highly sensitive SP prism spectrophotometer detection to five simultaneous channels.
The intelligent and intuitive user interface in combination with the new 30" (76.2 cm) monitor provides best ease of use across all Leica Microsystems Advanced Fluorescence systems. A broad range of application wizards, such as FRAP, FRET, Electrophysiology, Single Molecule Detection, FLIM and FCS turns the system into the leading research tool for shared resource laboratories.
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Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy with corresponding Imaging Systems, Specimen Preparation, and Medical Equipment. The company manufactures a broad range of products for numerous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis.
It also offers system solutions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The company is represented in over 100 countries with 10 manufacturing facilities in 8 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.
Posted by Barbara G. Goode, [email protected], for BioOptics World.