Leica TCS 4PI

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High-resolution 4Pi fluorescence system

Malaria infected human red blood cell

Overview

Enter the Fluorescence Nanoworld by Superresolution

The Leica TCS 4PI is the first commercial 4Pi system worldwide.

With its spectacular resolution enhancements and 3D capabilities it allows for precise localization of cell constituents, parasites and viruses in three dimensional cell space. Structures far too small for the resolution limits of widefield and confocal microscopes can now be investigated with the Leica TCS 4PI.

This microscopy system is the answer to the contemporary need in the biomedical environment for higher spatial resolution while maintaining capabilities of live cell imaging and keeping existing protocols for structure specific fluorescence labeling.

Key Features

  • Confocal/Multiphoton 4Pi Superresolution Microscope System
  • <130 nm z resolution
  • Spectacular 3D Imaging
  • Compatible with standard fluorescence protocols
  • Integrated compact 4Pi interferometer
  • Fast beam scanning
  • Avalanche photo diode detectors for ultimate sensitivity
  • Computer-assisted set-up and operation

The Concept

The concept of 4Pi microscopy was developed by Prof. Stefan Hell at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Goettingen, Germany and was refined and turned into a commercial system by Leica Microsystems.

A complete Leica TCS 4PI system consists of the 4Pi interferometer with a twin objective set-up, coupled to an optical microscope which is equipped with a Leica TCS SP2 spectral confocal and two photon imaging system. Rapid beam scanning enables fast image acquisition of images of fixed and live samples. Set-up of the 4Pi interferometer is controlled electronically via a second panel box. The interference conditions are continuously monitored by a CCD camera imaging the entrance pupil, ensuring constant performance.

Signal detection for imaging is performed through up to 4 sensitive spectral detectors. For low intensity level imaging, 2 avalanche photo diodes with very high quantum efficiency are built in.
Objectives for 4Pi

Objectives for 4Pi have to meet outstanding specifications in order to provide the necessary resolution performance. To meet these requirements, matching pairs are selected in a special manufacturing process at Leica Microsystems.

Available objectives comprise water, oil and glycerol immersion objectives for various sample environments. A dipping water immersion lens is provided for live cell work.