LeicaTCS SP8

Contact Us To discuss our technology further, request a quote, or arrange for an instrument demonstration.

Overview of Leica

The Leica TCS SP8 confocal microscope series can be easily upgraded to Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) capability using photon counting detection. Data are acquired using one of two modalities:

  • the FastFLIM (digital frequency domain); or
  • the TCSPC (time-domain).

FastFLIM (proprietary technology) is the new digital frequency domain (DFD) approach to FLIM measurements. Its advantages, when compared to the TCSPC are twofold:

  1. the short time required for data acquisition; and
  2. the higher sensitivity of the technique (due to the 100% duty-cycle).

Alternatively, FLIM data can be acquired using the TCSPC method, or both methodologies can be implemented on the same instrument.

The Leica, FCS and FLIM upgrade package includes the following items:

FastFLIM Unit or TCSPC Unit It accepts the output (via BNC) from up to four PMTs of the confocal unit. The synchronization signal from the Leica confocal head is connected to the unit.
Detectors Leica HyD detectors
Laser Launcher Super-continuum (white light) laser as well as range of individual laser line options.
Computer Running VistaVision by ISS A separate computer, with a 27" flat monitor

Please contact us for details on required system configuration.

Product Specifications for Leica

Acquisition and Analysis Software
  • VistaVision by ISS
Fluorescence Fluctuations Spectroscopy (FFS) Measurements
  • Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (auto- and cross-correlation)
  • Photon Counting Histogram (PCH)
  • FFS measurements at target XYZ locations in an image
  • FLCS, Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy
  • Number & Brightness (N&B)
Imaging Module Measurements
  • Single-point (intensity, polarization, lifetime)
  • Single plan and z-stack (polarization images, Ratiometric, FLIM)
FLIM images (digital frequency-domain) (single plane and z-stack)
  • Acquired in digital frequency-domain (DFD). The routine acquires simultaneously a FLIM image and a steady-state image.
FLIM images time-domain (single plane and z-stack)
  • Acquired in time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC)
Single Molecule Module
  • Burst Analysis
  • FRET and Correlation Methods
  • PIE-FRET Methods
Light Sources
  • Laser diodes: 370, 405, 440, 473, 488, 635 nm
  • Single-photon pulsed lasers
  • Multi-photon lasers
  • Supercontinuum laser
Laser Launcher
  • Super-continuum (white light) laser as well as range of individual laser line options.
Input Channels
  • Two (up to four)
Detectors
  • Leica HyD detectors
CLK
  • Pixel, Line, Frame
FLIM Image Data Acquisition Minimum Dwell Time
  • 6 µs/pixel
Unit Control
  • USB
Computer
  • High-performance Processor, 32GB RAM, Windows 11, 64-bit
  • 32" monitor, 2556 x 1440 resolution

Example Configuration for Leica

Schematic of Leica LSM Upgrade