Confocal · Zeiss
A high-performance, user-friendly confocal with Airyscan 2 super-resolution capability. Ideal for routine multi-channel fixed and live cell imaging 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
Power On the System
Switch on the main system power and electronics box. Allow 15–20 minutes for the system to initialize and lasers to stabilize.
Launch ZEN Blue Software
Open ZEN Blue from the desktop. Wait for full system initialization and confirm hardware is detected correctly.
Activate Lasers
Enable only the laser lines required for your experiment. Allow adequate warm-up (minimum 15 min) for stable output.
Select Objective & Apply Immersion
Choose your objective in the software (e.g., 40×/1.3 Oil or 63×/1.4 Oil). Apply immersion oil as appropriate.
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 manually build your channel settings. Enable Airyscan mode in the Acquisition tab.
Optimize Signal
Set laser power (1–5%) and master gain. Check for signal saturation using the range indicator (blue/red display). 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.
Shut Down
Deactivate lasers, remove sample, clean objective, and follow the posted shutdown checklist.
💡 The LSM 900 is an excellent first confocal for new users — its streamlined interface and Smart Setup make it the most accessible system in the core for routine multi-channel imaging.