The Leica TCS SP8 system possesses fixed diode laser lines (405, 488, 552, 638 nm) that can be utilized for conventional confocal microscopy or digital light-sheet applications. Illumination with the light sheet allows rapid acquisition of multiple images (>100 frames/second) to permit 3-D rendering and results in low phototoxicity. Imaging can be performed for entire organs (e.g., Arabidopsis roots) or organisms (e.g., Drosophila embryos, developing zebra fish). Extended time-lapse acquisition can be used to monitor physiological or developmental changes over time.
Download a PDF describing the basics of light-sheet microscopy and providing protocols for sample preparation.
The following objectives are available for use with the confocal and light-sheet systems:
| Mag. | Objective description | NA | Immersion medium | Working distance (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10x | HC PL APO CS | 0.40 | Air | 2.20 |
| 20x | HC PL APO CS | 0.70 | Air | 0.59 |
| 20x | HC PL APO IMM CORR CS2 | 0.75 | Water, glycerol, or oil | 0.68 |
| 25x | HCX IRAPO L | 0.95 | Water | 2.40 |
| 40x | HC PL APO CS2 | 1.10 | Water | 0.65 |
| 40x | HC PL APO CS2 | 1.30 | Oil | 0.24 |
| 63x | HC PL APO CS2 | 1.40 | Oil | 0.14 |
| 63x | HC PL APO CORR CS2 | 1.30 | Glycerol | 0.30 |
| 63x | HC PL APO CORR CS2 | 1.20 | Water | 0.30 |
| 100x | HCX PL APO CORR CS | 1.44 | Oil | 0.10 |
| 100x | HC PL APO STED WHITE | 1.40 | Oil | 0.13 |
The following objectives are specifically for use with the light-sheet system:
| Mag. | Objective description | NA | Immersion medium | Working distance (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5x | HC PL FLUOTAR | 0.07 | Air | 9.4 |
| 10x | HC APO DLS L | 0.30 | Water | 3.6 |
| 25x | HC PL APO IMM CORR CS2 | 0.75 | Water | 2.5 |