Ice-Cold Precision
Croystat Leica CM3050 S
Claudia Dorenkamp, Leica Microsystems
High precision is essential when preparing specimens for microscopy or other applications in neurological research. The Leica CM3050 S cryostat combines a high standard of precision with an ergonomic design.
With the Leica CM3050 S the user can operate from a comfortable sitting position, making long sessions at the instrument less tiring. The precise step motor allows reproducible thin series of sections of maximum quality, although it is equally good for extra thick sections of up to 300 μm which are also frequently used in neuroscientific research. The precise specimen orientation facilitates accurate work at specific areas of a specimen. Due to the section counter, the user can program the instrument to produce a preselected number of sections automatically.
To guarantee the best cutting temperature for the tissue, the temperature of the specimen head and the cryochamber are separately controlled via two compressors. The temperature of the chamber can be set to –40°C, that of the specimen head to –50°C.
At a Glance
• Section thickness setting outside the cryochamber on the control panel
• Step motor feed for reproducible thin sections
• Programmable reverse section counter
• Section thickness settings from 0.5 to 300 μm
• Separate control of specimen head and cryochamber temperature
• Ergonomic operation in a sitting position
- Fig.1: The Leica CM3050 S gives the user freedom to work comfortably while sitting. All functional keys are easily accessible in any position. For users who prefer to work while standing, a highly flexible hydraulic cabinet height adjustment is available.