FLIM Systems for Zeiss LSM 710 / 780 / 880 / 980

Description

FLIM Systems from Entry Level to Advanced Molecular Imaging Application

Benefit twice from the new Becker & Hickl FLIM integration into the Zeiss ZEN Software, and enjoy unmatched user-friendliness at highest performance at the same time!

For the Zeiss LSM 980 we proudly present our new bh SPCConnect software. It combines bh SPCM software and Zeiss ZEN software by TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). That means SPCM is running together with ZEN, with both software components freely exchanging commands, system parameters, and data. SPCM can run totally in the background, i.e. the ZEN user does not even have to notice the bh SPCM software running.  

This unique integration enables the user to perform not only basic FLIM experiments, but also complex measurement procedures, such as automated Z-Stack recordings, fast time-series recordings, fast triggered accumulations, and many more.

The FLIM images (first moment approach) appear directly in ZEN and can be processed further out of ZEN. The precise data analysis tool including fit procedure etc. is also started directly from Zen: Our GPU powered SPCImage NG software. It performs single, double and triple decay analysis and directly delivers lifetimes, component amplitudes, and biologically relevant parameters such as metabolic ratios, FLIRR, FRET efficiencies, and FRET distances. SPCImage runs on a GPU, delivering FLIM results within seconds even for image sizes in the megapixel range. With these features, the new FLIM systems are excellently suitable for the whole range from entry-level FLIM to high-end multidimensional molecular imaging applications.

Becker & Hickl manufacture FLIM systems for the Zeiss LSM family laser scanning microscopes since 2000. Starting from the LSM 510, FLIM systems have been provided for the LSM 710, the LSM 780, the LSM 880, and the LSM 980. All systems are based on bh’s Multi-Dimensional TCSPC technique  and feature near-ideal photon efficiency, superiour time resolution, excellent spatial resolution and depth discrimination, multi-exponential decay capapbility, and short acquisition time.

bh have recently upgraded their FLIM systems for the Zeiss LSM 980 with new TCSPC / FLIM modules and new software. Standard systems have two parallel ultra-fast recording channels, additional channels can be added on demand. Using the new SPC-180NX TCSPC FLIM modules and ultra-fast HPM-100 hybrid detectors, an IRF width of less than 20 ps FWHM (8 ps RMS) is obtained. The systems are thus able to resolve decay components down to less than 10 ps lifetime. FLIM Systems are available both for multiphoton microscopes and for confocal microscopes. Multiphoton versions use non-descanned detection to obtain clear images from deep layers of biological tissue. Confocal systems have the detectors attached to an optical output from the scanner, using the full range of filter- and pinhole-selection features of the LSM 980. Detectors for both versions are compatible and can be swapped between the output ports of the microscope. Alternatively, detectors can be attached to both the confocal port and the NDD port, and activated by software command.

The new bh / Zeiss FLIM systems are available with bh's new integrated SPCConnect software. It combines bh SPCM software and Zeiss ZEN software on a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) level. Practically, that means SPCM is running in the frame of ZEN, with both software components freely exchanging commands, system parameters, and data. Compared to an integration on the DLL level TCP integration has the advantage that, in addition to basic FLIM, functions like Z-Stack recording, time-series recording, fast triggered accumulation, FLITS, and simultaneous FLIM / PLIM are available. Moreover, upgrades on either side become immediately available to the user.

Data analysis is performed by bh's legendary SPCImage NG data analysis software. It performs single, double and triple decay analysis and directly delivers lifetimes, component amplitudes, and biologically relevant parameters such as metabolic ratios, FLIRR, FRET efficiencies, and FRET distances. SPCImage NG runs on a GPU, delivering FLIM results within seconds even for images of megapixel size. With these features, the new FLIM systems are excellently suitable for the whole range from entry-level FLIM to high-end multidimensional molecular imaging applications.

For details please see 350-page user handbook, 'Modular FLIM systems for Zeiss LSM 710/780/880 Laser Scanning microscopes' and 'Addendum to Handbook for LSM 980 Microscopes'.

Specifications

Downloads

Documents

The realm of the bh FLIM systems are in molecular imaging. Typical applications are the imaging of ion concentrations, pH, or local viscosity, protein interaction experiments by FRET, and metabolic imaging by fluorescence decay of NADH an FAD in combination with oxygen measurement. In these applications, the bh FLIM systems benefit from their high sensitivity, high time resolution, high timing stability, and their capability to resolve multi-exponential-decay profiles into their components. Other advantages are the capability to record FLIM of fast physiological effects down to the millisecond range, and to record at several excitation and emission wavelengths simultaneously.

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Essential Functions of bh FLIM Systems for Zeisss LSMs

• Entry Level FLIM to High-End Multi-Dimensional Molecular Imaging Functions
• Multiphoton FLIM
• Confocal FLIM
• Parallel Recording in 1 to 4 Wavelength Channels
• Multiplexed Recording at Two Excitation Wavelengths
• Multi-Wavelength FLIM in 16 Wavelength Channels
• Multiphoton Multi-Spectral NDD FLIM
• Fast Acquisition FLIM by Optional FASTAC FLIM System
• Fast FLIM by bh Express FLIM Technique Available
• Near-Infrared FLIM
• Time Series FLIM: Fast Time Series or Microscope-Controlled Time Series
• Z Stack FLIM
• Spatial Mosaic FLIM
• Temporal Mosaic FLIM of Physiological Effects, Down to 40 ms per Image
• FLITS: Recording Transient Lifetime Effects in a Line Scan, Resolution Down to 1 ms
• PLIM (Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging) Simultaneously with FLIM
• Fast Preview Mode
• Easy Switching Between Instrument Configurations and Operation Modes
• Runs at Any Scan Rate of the LSM
• High-Resolution Images, Up to 2048 x 2048 Pixels
• FCS and Cross-FCS, No Afterpulsing Due to Use of Hybrid Detectors