Sponsored Content: 1-Click B&H quantitative FLIM in ZEN for LSM 980
Becker & Hickl have manufactured FLIM systems for the Zeiss LSM family laser scanning microscopes since 2000. Starting from the LSM 510, FLIM systems have been provided for the LSM 710, the LSM 780, the LSM 880, and the LSM 980. All systems are based on B&H’s Multi-Dimensional TCSPC technique and feature near-ideal photon efficiency, superior time resolution, excellent spatial resolution and depth discrimination, multi-exponential decay capability, and short acquisition time.
B&H have recently upgraded their FLIM systems for the Zeiss LSM 980 with new TCSPC / FLIM modules and new software. Standard systems have two parallel ultra-fast recording channels, additional channels can be added on demand. Using the new SPC-180NX TCSPC FLIM modules and ultra-fast HPM-100 hybrid detectors, an IRF width of less than 20 ps FWHM (8 ps RMS) is obtained. The systems are thus able to resolve decay components down to less than 10 ps lifetime. FLIM Systems are available both for multiphoton microscopes and for confocal microscopes. Multiphoton versions use non-descanned detection to obtain clear images from deep layers of biological tissue. Confocal systems have the detectors attached to an optical output from the scanner, using the full range of filter- and pinhole-selection features of the LSM 980. Detectors for both versions are compatible and can be swapped between the output ports of the microscope. Alternatively, detectors can be attached to both the confocal port and the NDD port, and activated by software command.
The new B&H / Zeiss FLIM systems are available with B&H's new integrated SPCConnect software. It combines B&H SPCM software and Zeiss ZEN software on a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) level. Practically, that means SPCM is running in the frame of ZEN, with both software components freely exchanging commands, system parameters, and data. Compared to an integration on the DLL level TCP integration has the advantage that, in addition to basic FLIM, functions like Z-stack recording, time-series recording, fast triggered accumulation, FLITS, and simultaneous FLIM / PLIM are available. Moreover, upgrades on either side become immediately available to the user.
Data analysis is performed by B&H's legendary SPCImage data analysis software. It performs single, double and triple decay analysis and directly delivers lifetimes, component amplitudes, and biologically relevant parameters such as metabolic ratios, FLIRR, FRET efficiencies, and FRET distances. SPCImage runs on a GPU, delivering FLIM results within seconds even for images of megapixel size. With these features, the new FLIM systems are excellently suitable for the whole range from entry-level FLIM to high-end multidimensional molecular imaging applications.