Explore ZEISS LSM with Lightfield 4D

Light field microscopy captures volumetric data of living specimens without the need for focus or sample movement. It enables instant volumetric imaging in a single shot and avoids any time delay within an imaged volume. This enables the imaging of dynamic processes in/of large volumes with extremely high temporal resolution while minimizing the exposure of the living sample to light.

Its ability to provide volumetric data at high speed while preventing delicate samples from phototoxic effects makes ZEISS Lightfield 4D a powerful tool for studying the dynamics of complex biological systems in 3D over time:

• Neuroscience: real-time imaging of neural activity in 3D across large volumes, such as tracking calcium signals in neurons within living brains
• Developmental Biology: observation of fast cellular processes in organs and entire organisms, like blood flow and heartbeat; as well as gentle long-term imaging of developmental processes, including cell migration
• Cancer Research: High-throughput multi-position 3D imaging of organoids and spheroids
• Plant Science: imaging and tracking of cellular and protein movement within large volumes

Imaging with Lightfield 4D on a ZEISS LSM is as simple as widefield imaging and takes place in the familiar ZEN environment. The specific challenge for microscope users to orient themselves in the three-dimensionality of their sample is addressed with the Volume Definition representation, a highly intuitive user interface that allows to quickly and reliably define the volume to be imaged.

Sample treatment and preparation is the same as for any other fluorescent imaging with an inverted microscope.

Yes, Lightfield 4D detection uses a camera.

Lightfield 4D uses standard widefield fluorescence excitation with ZEISS solid state light sources.

Yes, you can acquire multiple color channels in a single experiment. Dual-color imaging is possible with up to 40 volumes per second. The excitation range is 385-740 nm.

The reconstructed volume (x,y,z) depends on the objective lens used. There are numerous standard objective lenses to choose from. An overview of recommended lenses, their specifications and the reconstructed volume can be found in the Lightfield 4D flyer or in the product information brochures of LSM 990 and LSM 910.

The maximal resolution is 2.2 x 2.2 x 2.8 µm³ (x,y,z) and can be achieved with a 40x objective. Further information can be found in the Lightfield 4D brochure or in the product information brochures of LSM 990 and LSM 910.

The image processing time per volume depends on the objective lens used and therefore on the volume size and the processing settings. In most cases, it takes only 40-60 seconds to process 100 volumes.

Yes, these two imaging modes complement each other and can be combined in a single experiment – e.g., to image at different temporal or spatial resolutions, or to perform photomanipulation experiments with the LSM (e.g. photoconversion) before imaging at low phototoxicity with Lightfield 4D.