Confocal · Zeiss
A high-performance, user-friendly confocal with Airyscan 2 super-resolution capability. Ideal for routine multi-channel fixed and live cell imaging (that does not require incubation or CO2) with enhanced resolution and sensitivity.
Instrument Features
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Airyscan 2 Detector
32-element GaAsP detector array providing ~1.7× lateral and ~1.5× axial resolution improvement over standard confocal. Simultaneous multi-channel Airyscan acquisition available in Multiplex mode for faster imaging.
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Compact & Efficient Design
Streamlined optical path with high transmission efficiency. Variable Secondary Dichroic (VSD) allows flexible beam splitting without filter changes, reducing setup time for multi-channel experiments.
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High Sensitivity Detection
GaAsP detector technology provides superior quantum efficiency compared to standard PMTs, enabling imaging of dim samples at lower laser powers — reducing photobleaching and phototoxicity.
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Smart Setup Automation
ZEN Smart Setup automatically recommends optimal acquisition settings based on your chosen fluorophores, minimizing channel crosstalk and ensuring consistent results across sessions.
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Multiple Laser Lines
Supports standard laser lines including 405, 488, 561, and 640 nm, covering the most commonly used fluorophores including DAPI, Alexa Fluor 488, 555/594, and 647.
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Z-Stack & Tiling
Full support for 3D Z-stack acquisition, tile scanning for large fields of view, and time-lapse imaging. Online Airyscan processing available for real-time enhanced image output.
Startup Guide
LSM 900 microscope and computer are always on
Log in using your OBC credentials (this is separate from your iLabs login)
Launch ZEN Blue Software
Open ZEN Blue from the desktop. Wait for full system initialization and confirm hardware is detected correctly.
Load Sample & Locate sample using 5x ot 10x objectives
Switch to final imaging objective and apply Immersion oil if needed. NOTE if you are planning to use “sample navigator” keep on 10x objective until overview image is taken
Load Sample & Navigate
Mount your slide on the stage. Use Live mode to navigate to your region of interest.
Set Up Channels with Smart Setup
Use Smart Setup to auto-configure channels for your fluorophores, or reuse previous imaging parameters, or ask Adeela to help with new imaging parameters
Optimize Signal
Set laser power (1–5%) and master gain. Check for signal saturation using the range indicator (blue/red display). For Confocal imaging, adjust pinhole to 1 AU for optimal resolution/signal balance.
Acquire & Process
Run acquisition. Apply Airyscan Processing post-acquisition. Save your .czi file to your designated data folder. All processing can be done post acquisition on the “Airyscan” workstation.
Shut Down
Deactivate lasers, remove sample, clean objective, and log off. Save data to your own hard drive and remove from LSM 900 computer within 2 weeks of imaging. Microscope and computer stay on.