Discover LCS SPIM for Light-Sheet Microscopy

Bruker’s LCS Selective-Plane Illumination Microscope (SPIM) is a small light-sheet microscope designed for rapid and gentle 3D imaging of large optically clear materials. The technology, developed in partnership with life science researchers, incorporates versatile embedding options for small and big samples and is compatible with all existing clearing solutions.

LCS offers several characteristics that make it ideal for multi-user circumstances and high-throughput experiments with various clearing methods.

Sample imaged on the LCS SPIM. Image Credit: Dr. Chenchen Pan, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany

The LCS SPIM Uniquely Provides:

• An inverted optical concept with three lenses, two-sided illumination, and single-side detection
• Fast imaging capabilities and low sample distortion acquisition
• An extended field of view (FOV)

Rendering of sample cuvette in the LCS SPIM with a cleared mouse sample (blue shows illumination path, and green shows detection path). Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

Superior Flexibility for Advanced Experiments

Various tissues and samples often necessitate distinct clearing methodologies and solutions. Whether it involves cleared organs or entire organisms, from a brain to a whole mouse, the LCS SPIM offers the flexibility to image samples of all sizes.

Samples are securely placed into interchangeable cuvettes, ensuring safe handling and compatibility with various clearing solutions. These quartz-crystal cuvettes range in size from 20x20x20 millimeters to 100x30x30 millimeters and accommodate a refractive index range from 1.33 to 1.58.

Easy-to-use sample holders were designed in collaboration with application specialists to allow for further customization during experiments. Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

Unmatched Light-Sheet Length Control with Fast Axial Scanning

Recent technological advancements have facilitated the creation of ultra-fast varifocal lenses for refining the system's optics. Luxendo SPIMs employ devices driven by an acoustic wave known as tunable acoustic gradient lenses or TAG lenses. These lenses enhance light-sheet control and ensure uniformity across the FOV.

Light-sheet images of a lung. Image Credit: Ayelen Melina, Santamans Recchini, and Gaudalupe Sabio Buzo, Stress Kinases in Diabetes, Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory and Unit of Microscopy and Dynamic Imaging, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain

Perfected Illumination and Detection

To ensure optimal image quality, all optical components are motorized so that every region of even the largest sample is optimally illuminated and imaged by the camera. The robust sCMOS cameras are ideal for experiments demanding high detection efficiency, quantification, and speed.

LCS image of developing nerves in a whole mouse embryo. Sample cleared with DBE. Tiled 3x4 image acquisition. Image Credit: James Muller, MSKCC, New York, USA.

LCS SPIM Specifications

Source: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology