Confocal · Zeiss
A versatile confocal platform with two-photon capability, a 34-channel spectral detector for advanced unmixing, and full live cell environmental control. Ideal for spectral imaging and deep tissue multiphoton experiments.
Instrument Features
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34-Channel QUASAR Spectral Detector
Full spectral acquisition across the visible range in 34 channels. Enables linear unmixing of multiple overlapping fluorophores, autofluorescence subtraction, and lambda stack imaging for complete emission spectrum characterization.
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2-Photon Excitation
Tunable Ti:Sapphire laser for two-photon excitation of UV and visible dyes (including DAPI, CFP, GFP). Enables deep tissue imaging, reduced out-of-focus photobleaching, and intrinsic fluorescence imaging (SHG, TPEF).
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Live Cell Incubation
Controlled environment chamber with temperature and CO₂ regulation for live cell experiments. Suitable for time-lapse imaging of cellular dynamics, mitosis, migration, and signaling events.
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GaAsP Detector Array
High quantum efficiency GaAsP detectors provide superior sensitivity for dim samples. Array configuration allows flexible spectral band selection for optimal signal detection.
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Multiple Objectives
Compatible with a full range of Plan-Apochromat objectives from 10× to 100×, supporting experiments from tissue-level overview to subcellular detail.
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Lambda Stack Imaging
Acquire complete spectral stacks for every pixel. Essential for experiments with complex fluorophore mixtures, enabling post-acquisition unmixing and identification of unexpected spectral contributions.
Startup Guide
Power On System & Lasers
Turn on the main electronics and laser launch. For 2-photon experiments, start the Ti:Sapphire laser first as it requires the longest warm-up time (30+ min).
Launch ZEN Black Software
Open ZEN Black and allow full system initialization. Verify all laser lines and detectors are recognized.
Configure Laser Lines
Activate the required laser lines for your fluorophores. For spectral imaging, activate all relevant lines and plan your lambda stack range (typically 410–700 nm).
Select Objective
Choose your objective and apply immersion medium. For deep tissue 2-photon imaging, use a long working distance water immersion objective where possible.
Load Sample & Find Cells
Mount sample and use Live mode to navigate. For live cell imaging, ensure incubation chamber has equilibrated to 37°C / 5% CO₂ before loading cells.
Set Up Spectral Acquisition
For spectral unmixing: set up lambda stack with 10 nm band steps across your emission range. For standard imaging: configure individual channels with appropriate band-pass detection windows.
Optimize & Acquire
Adjust laser power and gain. Run acquisition. For spectral data, use ZEN’s linear unmixing tool with reference spectra from single-labeled controls.
Shut Down
Turn off lasers (Ti:Sapphire first), remove sample, clean objective, and complete the shutdown checklist.
⚠️ Always acquire single-fluorophore reference spectra on the same day as your experiment for accurate spectral unmixing results.