Zeiss Lightsheet Z.1

The Zeiss Lightsheet Z.1 microscope offers scientists the opportunity to image large 3D objects that would be impossible or far too time consuming to analyse on traditional microscopes.

Overview

With the Zeiss Z.1 system scientists can utilise a developing technology to acquire large volumetric data sets of 3D structures.

Unlike traditional widefield and confocal microscopes, the Z.1 utilises a ‘sheet’ of light shone through the sample and the image is then detected perpendicular to the lightsheet.  

The Z.1 system is intended for fluorescently labelled samples (both endogenous and antibody labelled). It also has the capability of acquiring a bright-field reference image. 

The system comes with a number of specific imaging chambers, however sample preparation and mounting are very flexible. This allows for a wide range of sample types to be imaged.

This microscope provides scientists with the ability to image large ‘cleared’ samples to a much greater depth and at faster speeds than has previously been possible.

Examples of work
  • Zeiss Z.1 lightsheet microscope set up
    The Zeiss Lightsheet Z.1 microscope at the Centre for Dynamic Imaging
  • Whole lymph node imaged in 3D
    To image this whole lymph node in 3D, the organ was rendered optically transparent to permit a better penetration of the light for fluorescence microscopy imaging. Credit: Fanny Lafouresse and Verena Wimmer
  • Mosquito from the Institute's insectary
    The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has a dedicated insectary to assist with development of tools to stop malaria. Credit: Qike Wang and Julie Healer
  • Lightsheet image of an ant
    Auto fluorescence of an ant. Credit: Verena Wimmer
  • Lightsheet image of a worm
    Auto fluorescence of a worm. Credit: Verena Wimmer

Video: 3D rendering of the head of Ascaris, a parasitic worm which resides in the intestines. Credit: Mark Scott, Aaron Jex, Joy Liu

 

Hardware

Objective magnification 5x 20x 20x
Immersion media Air Water Clarity
XY-resolution (µm) 2.22 0.74 0.42
Working distance (mm) 18.5 2.4 5.6
NA 0.16 1.0 1.0

Light sources

  • 405, 445, 488, 514, 561 and 638 nm lasers
  • Bright field LED illumination

Detection source

  • 2 x PCO.Edge sCMOS 16-bit camera 

Technological specifications (capabilities)

Available modalities

  • Z-stack
  • Time-series
  • Multi-view (rotation)

Additional options

  • Tile scan possible through use of external macro

Limitations

  • Resolution limited in Z to lightsheet thickness
  • Tile scan and multi-view unable to be set up together