Great insights have been obtained from fluorescence microscopy. The ultimate goal is the study of subcellular architecture and dynamics. However, often the structures of interest are far too small to be resolved using standard fluorescence microscopy. Several approaches to overcome this limitation have been developed over the last decades and super-resolution microscopy has proven an extremely valuable tool not only in life science research.
Leica Microsystems is a pioneer in super-resolution microscopy working closely in collaboration with top scientists in this field. Leica Microsystems is the only supplier of both, widefield and confocal super-resolution technology incorporating methods such as GSDIM and STED, respectively.
Learn more about super-resolution, its benefits and the growing range of applications. |
Leica implemented STED microscopy, on the confocal platform Leica TCS SP5 in 2007. The integrated STED system - provides fast, intuitive, and purely optical access to structural details - far beyond the diffraction limit. Based on confocal principles, STED microscopy combines intrinsic optical sectioning capability with fast data acquisition and dual color super-resolution. Live cell imaging and colocalization studies below the diffraction limit are easily achieved.
Confocal Super-Resolution Microscopy
Leica TCS STED and Leica TCS STED CW realize confocal super-resolution in two different spectral ranges. The Leica TCS STED delivers spatial resolution down to 50-70 nm and operates in the deep red. Leica TCS STED CW works in the green/yellow range of the spectrum and enables researchers to use conventional dyes such as Alexa 488, FITC and Oregon Green and established fluorescent proteins such as YFP.
Widefield Super-Resolution Microscopy/ Localization Microscopy
Building on the success of these confocal microscopy super-resolution systems, Leica Microsystems continues working with the top scientists in the field to push the limits of resolution. Working in close cooperation with Professor Stefan Hell of the Max-Planck-Institute, Göttingen, Leica Microsystems is proud to add a Localization Microscope, the Leica SR GSD to its portfolio of super-resolution microscopy systems.
Based on the highly regarded Leica AM TIRF MC system, the Leica SR GSD harnesses a proven technique known as Ground State Depletion followed by individual molecule return (GSDIM). This method improves resolution down to 20 nm, using a wide range of standard fluorophores. The complete integration of the technology in our common software platform and the new development of a drift minimizing concept by a suppressed motion stage (SuMo), make the SR GSD a very straight forward tool for super-resolution imaging. With the Leica SR GSD, the limits of super-resolution are redefined.
Leica Microsystems Super-Resolution Products
 |
 |
 |
|
Leica TCS STED CW
The Fast Track to Super-Resolution
The new Leica TCS STED CW confocal microscope is the most straightforward way to nanoscopy for research. The system reveals sub-cellular details... |
Leica TCS STED
Super-Resolution Microscope
Beyond the limits! Leica TCS STED integrates the super-resolution concept of STED with the broadband confocal platform... |
Leica SR GSD
Widefield Super-resolution with Ground State Depletion (GSDIM)
Resolve down to 20 nm with GSDIM GSDIM is a scientifically proven method using a wide range of standard fluorochromes. Leica... |