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ApoTome - Carl Zeiss International

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<strong>ApoTome</strong><br />

Microscopy from <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong><br />

Suddenly Everything Looks Different<br />

The Standard for Brilliant Images<br />

in 3D Fluorescence Imaging<br />

Änderungen vorbehalten.<br />

Gedruckt auf umweltfreundlich<br />

chlorfrei gebleichtem Papier.<br />

60-2-0002/d – gedruckt 04.08


1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

1) Triple fluorescence of a drosophila embryo, lower left:<br />

conventional fluorescence image, upper right: <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode<br />

Frank Josten and Michael Hoch, University of Bonn, Germany<br />

2) <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode and conventional image, hippocampus of<br />

the rat, triple fluorescence, maximum projection of a 3D image<br />

stack, Plan-APOCHROMAT 63x/1.4<br />

Eberhard Fuchs and Susanne Bauch, GPC Göttingen, Germany<br />

3) <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode and conventional image, multiple myeloma,<br />

triple fluorescence, C-APOCHROMAT 63x/1.2<br />

Peter Hutzler and Karin Bink, GSF Neuherberg, Germany<br />

4) 3D image stack, upper left: conventional image, lower right:<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> mode, Drosophila melanogaster embryo,<br />

double fluorescence, Plan-NEOFLUAR 40x/0.75<br />

Christian Klämbt, University of Münster, Germany<br />

2


Contents<br />

The Quality Factor:<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong><br />

Where the Exceptional is Standard in 3D Imaging 4-5<br />

The Performance Factor:<br />

A Module That is More Than the Sum of Its Advantages 6-7<br />

The Image Quality Factor:<br />

The Visible Difference in Fluorescence Imaging 8-9<br />

The System Factor:<br />

Precise Interplay Reveals Everything in Great Detail 10-11<br />

The Intelligence Factor:<br />

AxioVision and <strong>ApoTome</strong><br />

New Perspectives for Life Sciences 12-14<br />

The Function Factor:<br />

Optical Sections by Means of Structured Illumination 15-17<br />

System Solutions from <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong><br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> with Axio Observer and Axio Imager 18-19<br />

3


4<br />

The Quality Factor: <strong>ApoTome</strong>.<br />

Where the Exceptional is Standard in 3D Imaging.<br />

Innovation in 3D Imaging has a good name: <strong>ApoTome</strong>. With <strong>ApoTome</strong> <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong><br />

triggered a small revolution in fluorescence microscopy. Since then everything has<br />

been different.<br />

From an innovation to the standard<br />

in life science research<br />

In the meantime <strong>ApoTome</strong> has established itself as the<br />

standard method in high-end research in Life Sciences.<br />

Since the introduction of <strong>ApoTome</strong>, the problems associated<br />

with stray light from other focal planes have become<br />

a concern of the past. <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> now offers outstanding<br />

technology for the generation of optical sections in 2D<br />

and 3D Fluorescence Imaging. Exceptional performance<br />

became the standard.<br />

• Exceptional in terms of contrast, image quality and<br />

resolution – with an optical section thickness of one<br />

Rayleigh unit<br />

• Exceptional ease of operation – extremely simple and<br />

flexible adaptation<br />

• Exceptional in its seamless integration – easy to implement<br />

in existing <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> system solutions<br />

Optical sections for every application<br />

With <strong>ApoTome</strong> for the upright system solution<br />

Axio Imager and for the inverted research platform<br />

Axio Observer the new generation in light microscopy<br />

sets a new standard in 3D Imaging: optical sections in<br />

even complex applications; fascinating images, brilliant<br />

image quality, and undreamed-of possibilities for scientific<br />

analysis.<br />

Awarded the R&D 100 Award and the Innovation Price<br />

Photonics Circle of Excellence in 2003


AxioImager system with <strong>ApoTome</strong>, AxioCam MRm and AxioVision<br />

The name<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong>, the innovation in 3D Imaging<br />

The module<br />

Slider technology for the <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> Microscopes<br />

Axiovert 200, Axio Observer, Axioplan 2 imaging*<br />

and Axio Imager<br />

The performance<br />

New image quality and elevated contrast in the conventional<br />

fluorescence microscope<br />

Deblurred optical sections in thicker samples<br />

The price<br />

A cost-effective leap forward into an exceptional performance<br />

category of digital microscopy<br />

The principle<br />

Sophisticated technology for artifact-free structured<br />

illumination<br />

The positions<br />

Practice-oriented 2-in-1 slider for conventional fluorescence<br />

(position 1) and the <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode (position 2)<br />

for sophisticated digital microscopy<br />

The operation<br />

Quickly integrated<br />

Simple control principle due to high-performance<br />

technology<br />

Problem-free working in the familiar system environment<br />

The fluorescence<br />

Open for the entire spectrum of possible fluorescence dyes<br />

The system<br />

Perfectly coordinated with the high-performance components<br />

in the <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> complete system: <strong>ApoTome</strong> –<br />

microscope – camera – software – PC<br />

The variants<br />

Cost-effective as complete system or as an upgrade for<br />

your existing system<br />

*All Axioplan 2 imaging microscopes delivered after February 2000. Serial<br />

numbers: from 35 11 000001; from 35 10 000001; from 35 02 000001<br />

5


6<br />

The Performance Factor: A Module That is<br />

More Than the Sum of Its Advantages.<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> is more than just the sum of its advantages, i.e. brilliant image quality,<br />

performance and speed, and an open spectrum of fluorescence dyes. Together<br />

with its ease of operation and practice-oriented design, all these benefits add up<br />

to a definitive increase in the performance of your Digital Imaging workstation.<br />

1A: the image quality<br />

One Rayleigh unit of optical section depth – this value<br />

represents highest optical resolution with an excellent<br />

signal-to-noise ratio. In the z-direction, the visible resolution<br />

is increased by a factor of 2 compared to conventional<br />

fluorescence microscopy. This allows generation of<br />

optical sections and 3D image reconstructions from the<br />

specimen. This is particularly crucial for thick specimens<br />

1<br />

2<br />

where it is also necessary to achieve optimum resolution<br />

and contrast in the x-, y-plane. The optimized algorithm<br />

for precise, artifact-free images is yet another benefit. In<br />

a nutshell, this means you will be working with maximum<br />

contrast, excellent image quality, deblurred image planes<br />

and, as a consequence, with more visible information for<br />

your analyses, documentations and publications.<br />

Optimized: the speed<br />

Three raw images are acquired for each optical section.<br />

The results are calculated online in less than 80 msec –<br />

depending on the image size used. The resulting image<br />

is immediately displayed on the monitor and is immediately<br />

available for further processing. Multichannel fluorescence<br />

and Z-stack images are acquired automatically.<br />

Flexible: optimum results with every objective<br />

Different applications require different objectives. In<br />

combination with <strong>ApoTome</strong> the best possible resolution<br />

is always achieved. If needed, the grid in <strong>ApoTome</strong> can<br />

be quickly and easily changed. A grid that is ideal for<br />

the objective and the application can be selected from<br />

three grids with different grid frequencies. The advantage<br />

is that in each case an optimum result with an optical<br />

section depth of approximately one Raleigh unit is<br />

achieved.<br />

1) Conventional, 2) <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode<br />

Mouse omentum (mesentery), double fluorescence,<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 20x/0.75<br />

Mike Tighe, Kim Kusser and Troy Randall, Trudeau Institute,<br />

New York, USA


Innovative LED fluorescent light source Colibri, fast,<br />

flexible, without mechanical switching<br />

Position 1: Iris diaphragm, position 2: <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode<br />

1<br />

2<br />

No limits: the fluorescence dyes and light sources<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> can be combined with all light sources used<br />

in fluorescence microscopy. HBO illumination is ideal as<br />

an economical entry-level solution. The metal halogenide<br />

lamp HXP 120 does not require adjustment, and offers a<br />

long service life and a very homogenous illumination. The<br />

brand new Colibri LED light source from <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> generates<br />

exceptionally high-contrast fluorescence images<br />

with a high dynamic range. Extremely long-lasting LEDs<br />

emit only the desired wavelength range. Consequently,<br />

undesired light does not even have to be suppressed at<br />

all. <strong>ApoTome</strong> provides nearly unlimited flexibility in the<br />

selection of fluorescence dyes. System technology does<br />

not determine whether you work with DAPI, FITC, rhodamine,<br />

Cy5 or with vital dyes such as GFP or mRFP. You<br />

decide.<br />

Plug and go: ease of operation<br />

Simply slide <strong>ApoTome</strong> into the field diaphragm plane<br />

of the reflected-light beam path of your microscope.<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> offers you two positions: position 1 – the iris<br />

diaphragm for the Koehler illumination in the reflectedlight<br />

beam path; position 2 – the <strong>ApoTome</strong> grid for optical<br />

sections with brilliant image quality. The operation<br />

is just as simple as the insertion. Set <strong>ApoTome</strong> to the<br />

appropriate position, iris diaphragm or <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode –<br />

depending on what your application requires. The slider<br />

remains in your microscope and is thus always ready to<br />

use and protected.<br />

Advanced technology: the image acquisition modes<br />

Advanced technology for brilliant images and greatest<br />

sample protection: <strong>ApoTome</strong> calculates your images<br />

directly online, which allows you immediate access to<br />

the optical sections. However, <strong>ApoTome</strong> also allows the<br />

preparation of raw data. Thus, you can also process images<br />

generated with this module offline with different<br />

settings. The advantage is that images of very sensitive<br />

specimens must only be acquired once. With the aid of<br />

a specially adapted deconvolution, the resolution of the<br />

raw data can be further increased for perfect results with<br />

every sample.<br />

7


1 2<br />

8<br />

The Image Quality Factor: The Visible Difference<br />

in Fluorescence Imaging.<br />

Experience the difference: <strong>ApoTome</strong> brings Fluorescence Imaging to a new level<br />

of performance – with excellent image quality, fascinating images, and new<br />

perspectives for science and research.<br />

Decoding gene functions<br />

In Drosophila research, wild type and mutant embryos are<br />

frequently compared with each other in various stages of<br />

development. In the case of the mutants, genes playing a<br />

specific role in developing or maintaining bodily functions<br />

have been manipulated. The comparative study allows<br />

conclusions to be drawn about gene functions in certain<br />

1) Conventional, 2) <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode<br />

Drosophila melanogaster embryo, double fluorescence, EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 40x/1.3<br />

George Scaria, University of Illinois at the Chicago Medical School, USA<br />

developmental processes. The images below show the<br />

development of Drosophila melanogaster embryos at a<br />

relatively early stage subsequent to fertilization. All the<br />

cells are in the same cycle of cell division. In the <strong>ApoTome</strong><br />

mode, the spindle microtubules (red), which separate the<br />

chromosomes (blue), can be clearly identified.


1<br />

1) Conventional, 2) <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode<br />

Sprouting axons of a dorsal root<br />

ganglia explant, triple fluorescence,<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 20x/0.75<br />

Investigation of neuronal circuits<br />

Studies in developmental neurobiology include the examination<br />

of how nerve cells developing in a certain part<br />

of the body connect with cells in a completely different<br />

part of the body. The connection is made by means of<br />

long cell processes, known as axons, which, by exploring<br />

their environment, e.g., along a chemical gradient, find<br />

their way through the tissue to their target cells. This process<br />

occurs primarily during the embryonic development<br />

of an organism. In order to decode these highly specific<br />

and extremely complex mechanisms, zebrafish research<br />

1) Conventional, 2) <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode<br />

Zebrafish (Danio rerio), triple fluorescence, Plan-APOCHROMAT 20x/0.75<br />

Monika Marx and Martin Bastmeyer, University Karlsruhe, Germany<br />

1 2<br />

also uses mutants. These are compared with wild type<br />

individuals to identify the genes which are crucial for this<br />

connection. These findings are of major significance for<br />

clinical questions. This example shows the head region of<br />

a zebrafish embryo (Danio rerio). In the <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode,<br />

two different populations of neurons can be clearly distinguished<br />

by the red and green marking. The nuclei are<br />

marked using DAPI.<br />

Additional applications, images and additional movies<br />

are to be found at: www.zeiss.de/apotome<br />

2<br />

9


10<br />

The System Factor: Precise Interplay Reveals<br />

Everything in Great Detail<br />

<strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> offers a broad range of system components which all have one thing in<br />

common: when used in combination with <strong>ApoTome</strong>, they fully utilize all of the<br />

possibilities of Fluorescence Imaging. From research microscopes with brilliant<br />

optics, via high-performance cameras and the comprehensive AxioVision software<br />

platform, all system components are perfectly coordinated with one another.<br />

Optimized for fluorescence:<br />

Axio Observer and Axio Imager<br />

The high-end systems Axio Imager und Axio Observer<br />

combined with <strong>ApoTome</strong> are ideal research platforms for<br />

3D Imaging.<br />

• Fully motorized microscope for high-end research<br />

• Apochromatically corrected fluorescence beam path<br />

for brilliant image quality in Multichannel Image<br />

Acquisition<br />

Axio Imager system with <strong>ApoTome</strong>, AxioCam and AxioVision<br />

• Z-focus with a resolution of 10 nm and high reproducibility<br />

• Sophisticated ergonomics for comfortable microscopy<br />

• TFT display for optimum ease of operation<br />

Particularly appropriate for long-term experiments even<br />

with living cells: Axio Observer with diverse, modular<br />

and fully integrated incubation solutions. The hardwarebased<br />

focus stablizer Definite Focus ensures stable focus<br />

positions even under the most difficult conditions.


Powerful even in weak fluorescence:<br />

the cameras<br />

AxioCam is the leading generation of Peltier-cooled digital<br />

cameras from <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong>. These cameras feature highest<br />

sensitivity, a resolution of 1.4 megapixels in AxioCam MRm<br />

or up to 13 megapixels in AxioCam HRm, and a dynamic<br />

range of up to 1 : 2200 or 1 : 2500 in 12 or 14 bit, respectively,<br />

as well as maximum image quality. Custom<br />

tailored to your applications in fluorescence microscopy<br />

naturally in monochrome version – and at a convincing<br />

price-performance ratio.<br />

Axio Observer system with <strong>ApoTome</strong>, AxioCam and AxioVision<br />

Efficient in research and routine applications:<br />

the microscope control<br />

Using the <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> AxioVision software platform, you<br />

are able to control all motorized microscope systems<br />

from <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> interactively and fully automatically. The<br />

advantage is simple and efficient operation and clarity of<br />

the user interface. The microscope’s setting parameters<br />

can be saved as required and retrieved again at any time<br />

AxioVision determines magnifications automatically, and<br />

complex acquisition modes are easy to configure. As a<br />

consequence, your results can be reliably reproduced.<br />

11


12<br />

The Intelligence Factor: AxioVision and <strong>ApoTome</strong>.<br />

New Perspectives for Life Sciences.<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> and AxioVision – an outstanding combination. AxioVision is the software<br />

platform from <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> for all requirements in Fluorescence Imaging – from twodimensional<br />

imaging up to the sixth dimension. Any combination of x, y, z, lambda,<br />

time lapse and different sample positions is possible for automatic image acquisition.<br />

And with <strong>ApoTome</strong> in AxioVision, optical sections are available in every mode.<br />

Multichannel Fluorescence<br />

Using this module, in connection with <strong>ApoTome</strong>, you<br />

can acquire multichannel images automatically with high<br />

contrast and optimum quality. One channel is acquired<br />

using the optimum exposure time for each excitation<br />

wavelength. The grid is also focused automatically for<br />

each fluorescence wavelength. Every channel of the optical<br />

section is calculated online. The advantage is that you<br />

see the results immediately, for example, colocalization<br />

of fluorescence dyes in thick specimens.<br />

User interface for multichannel images Gallery view of a Z-stack<br />

Z-Stack<br />

Using this module you can acquire and display different<br />

focal planes of a specimen as an image stack – with high<br />

precision and accurately reproducible. <strong>ApoTome</strong> controls<br />

the acquisition of the three raw images. The optical section<br />

is calculated online in every plane. Consequently, it<br />

is possible for you to see the result quickly.<br />

Time Lapse<br />

Observing specimens, studying and recording changes<br />

over time, documenting the results clearly – the Time<br />

Lapse module enables you to control acquisition and the<br />

microscope with precision.


Muscle-specific GFP labeling (yellow), nuclear labeling (blue), developmental stage of<br />

10.5 days, double fluorescence Z-stack image in <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode,<br />

Plan-NEOFLUAR 5x/0.15<br />

Dr. Frederic Relaix and Emanuelle Perret, PFID, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France<br />

MosaiX<br />

Using this module and a motorized x-, y-stage, even large<br />

specimens which extend beyond the field of view can<br />

be displayed with high resolution and high contrast. The<br />

specimen is scanned automatically in order to generate<br />

a large composite image. This electronically generated<br />

image of the specimen provides a complete representation<br />

of the sample, and can be used as a basis for further<br />

analysis.<br />

Mark&Find<br />

Mark&Find automatically acquires images at several<br />

locations in a specimen, e.g. over time. With this module<br />

you mark several locations in your specimen, which<br />

you subsequently, repeatedly, and exactly relocate during<br />

the experiment. In this manner you increase the data<br />

throughput and efficiency in long experiments.<br />

Above left: Conventional fluorescence image acquisition, lower right: optical section<br />

with <strong>ApoTome</strong>, Platynereis dumerili, triple fluorescence (DAPI, Phalloidin-Alexa488,<br />

alpha-Tubulin Alexa555), maximum intensity projection of a 3D image stack,<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 20x/0.8<br />

V. Wilkens, University of Osnabrück, Germany<br />

HDR Image Acquisition<br />

Sometimes even the high dynamic range of the best<br />

cameras is inadequate. If you desire to simultaneously<br />

examine very light and dark areas in your specimen,<br />

HDR (High Dynamic Range) Image Acquisition provides<br />

the solution. In HDR mode several images with different<br />

exposure times are combined to form an image with increased<br />

dynamic range. Thus, all the details in an image<br />

are reproduced.<br />

Inside4D<br />

In combination with <strong>ApoTome</strong>, Inside4D makes multi-<br />

dimensional visualization and presentation of cells and<br />

tissue sections exceptionally easy. <strong>ApoTome</strong> generates<br />

the optical sections online. You can then visualize the<br />

data in Inside4D immediately. 3D reconstructions can be<br />

viewed from any angle. With this module you can visualize<br />

the structural context in the specimen. And you have<br />

an excellent tool for the production of movies at your<br />

disposal – for the best possible presentation of your 3D<br />

images in the Internet, with PowerPoint TM , or with many<br />

other media.<br />

13


Neuromuscular synapses in the sternomastoid muscle of a rat, triple fluorescence Z-stack<br />

Dr. Le Tian, Dr. Wes Thompson, University of Texas, Austin, USA<br />

Measurement and analysis<br />

Measure your specimens in two or three dimensions,<br />

manually or automatically. Various AxioVision modules<br />

help you perform these tasks. Intensity or area measurements,<br />

segmentations or colocalizations can be automatically<br />

or interactively determined. Volumes, surfaces<br />

or distances can also be measured in three-dimensional<br />

image stacks. It is comfortable in its range of functions<br />

and easy to operate.<br />

Fast MosaiX<br />

Dual Camera<br />

Digital<br />

High Speed<br />

Recorder<br />

HDR Imaging<br />

Fast<br />

Acquisition<br />

Widefield<br />

Multichannel<br />

Unmixing<br />

Image acquisition Image<br />

Processing<br />

Imaging Plus ASSAYbuilder<br />

Panorama Mark&Find <strong>ApoTome</strong> 3D Measure TMA<br />

MosaiX Time Lapse 3D<br />

Deconvolution<br />

Extended<br />

Focus<br />

Autofocus Multichannel<br />

Fluorescence<br />

Z-Stack 2D<br />

Deconvolution<br />

ELISPOT<br />

Image Analysis<br />

SFM<br />

QuantiFISH Ratio Tracking<br />

AutoMeasure AutoMeasure<br />

Plus<br />

Inside4D Interactive<br />

Measurement<br />

Combinations<br />

All these modules can be freely combined with one another<br />

and form system solutions which are designed to<br />

address an extremely wide range of requirements. The<br />

result is the cost-effective adaptation of the solution to<br />

your application without unnecessary investments.<br />

PowerPoint TM is a product of Microsoft ® .<br />

Online<br />

Measurement<br />

2) 3D distance measurement from the surface on one yeast particle to<br />

the surface of the next one. Cells: RAW 264.7 Macrophages with nuclear<br />

staining (blue), actin staining (red) and zymosan yeast particle (green)<br />

Dr. Birgit Kraus, University of Regensburg, Germany<br />

Colocalization<br />

Physiology Asset<br />

Archive<br />

Documen-<br />

tation<br />

VBA<br />

Commander<br />

Configuration<br />

14


15<br />

Schematic of beam path<br />

The fluorescence excitation light passes through two glass plates in the <strong>ApoTome</strong> slider.<br />

There is a grid structure on the first glass plate; the grid pattern is “imprinted” in the<br />

excitation light. The second glass plate is tilted by a scanning mechanism, thereby<br />

slightly shifting the beam path with the imprinted grid pattern. The excitation light<br />

(green) with the grid pattern is then projected onto the specimen via a conventional<br />

fluorescence filter set. The emission light (red) is collected by the objective and imaged<br />

onto the camera sensor.<br />

Please visit our educational website www.zeiss.com/campus if you are interested to<br />

see how <strong>ApoTome</strong> works and to view <strong>ApoTome</strong> application images.


16<br />

The Function Factor: Optical Sections by Means<br />

of Structured Illumination.<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> has continuously proven its leadership position in Fluorescence Imaging<br />

and has received numerous awards from specialist groups. The functional principle<br />

used by <strong>ApoTome</strong> to generate optical sections is structured illumination, which is so<br />

well-engineered that it provides artifact-free images.<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong>: the grid pattern creates clarity<br />

In the <strong>ApoTome</strong> mode, a grid structure is inserted into the<br />

light field diaphragm plane of the reflected-light beam<br />

path (page 17, Fig. 1A). The grid structure is precisely imaged<br />

into the object plane; it is clearly visible through the<br />

eyepieces and in the live image. In a second step, a highprecision<br />

scanning mechanism moves the grid pattern in<br />

defined steps across the sample plane. In the third step,<br />

images are acquired at each grid position (Figs. 1A-C).<br />

Finally, a single resulting image is calculated from the<br />

three raw images using a fast mathematical algorithm<br />

(Fig. 1D). The result is a precise optical section through<br />

the specimen with no blurring, with elevated contrast,<br />

and perfect for 3D reconstructions.<br />

Precisely in focus: the calibration<br />

A fundamental challenge in generating precise, deblurred<br />

optical sections using structured illumination is to precisely<br />

focus the grid for the selected objective and fluorescence<br />

wavelength. This is very easy with <strong>ApoTome</strong>.<br />

You start an interactive assistant in AxioVision, and it<br />

An interactive dialog guides you once through the calibration<br />

of the grid focus<br />

guides you through the calibration process step by step.<br />

And in the apochromatic fluorescence beam path of<br />

Axio Imager and Axio Observer, the grid only has to be<br />

shifted minimally or not at all for the different fluorescent<br />

wavelengths.<br />

Interior view of the <strong>ApoTome</strong> slider: iris diaphragm in position 1, grid and planparallel glass plate in position 2


Fig. 1.: Schematic depiction of the grid projection in a fluorescence specimen<br />

A-C: Raw images with different positions of the grid<br />

D: Optical section through the specimen<br />

Background<br />

In conventional fluorescence microscopy, the image<br />

always consists of signal contributions coming from the<br />

focused object plane and from the structures located<br />

above and below it. The blurred structures from above<br />

or below are either perceived as being out of focus or, if<br />

they are clearly outside the focal plane, have the effect<br />

of brightening the image background, which reduces<br />

image contrast.<br />

The “structured illumination” principle<br />

In the “structured illumination” process used in <strong>ApoTome</strong>,<br />

a grid is inserted into the field diaphragm plane of the<br />

fluorescence beam path. Superimposing the projected<br />

grid onto the fluorescent sample generates an image of<br />

the specimen that has dark grid lines running through it<br />

Section thicknesses with <strong>ApoTome</strong> when used with Axio Imager<br />

(Fig. 1A). Outside the focal plane the grid is also blurred,<br />

thus no grid projection is visible in defocused specimen<br />

structures (Fig. 1A, arrow). In the context of image analysis,<br />

this provides a criterion for differentiating in-focus<br />

object structures from those which are defocused. The<br />

determination of the grid contrast as a function of the<br />

location (xy) can thus be used to calculate an optical section<br />

(Fig. 1D). In order to reconstruct all the image information,<br />

at least three raw images with different positions<br />

of the grid projections must be acquired (Figs. 1 A-C: grid<br />

shift marked by blue line).<br />

Literature: Schäfer, L. et. al.: Structured Illumination Microscopy:<br />

Artifact analysis and reduction utilizing a parameter optimization<br />

approach. J. Microsc. 216 (2004) pp.165<br />

Objective Magn. NA Immersion Recmd. grid Section thickness at 490 nm (RU/μm)<br />

EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 10x/0.3 10 0.3 Air L1 1.01 / 11.04<br />

EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 20x/0.5 20 0.5 Air M 1.03 / 4.05<br />

EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 40x/0.75 40 0.75 Air H1 1.09 / 1.89<br />

EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 40x/1.3 Oil 40 1.3 Oil M 1.07 / 0.94<br />

EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 63x/0.95 Korr. 63 0.95 Oil H1 0.7 / 0.76<br />

EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 63x/1.25 Oil 63 1.25 Oil H1 1.08 / 1.03<br />

EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 100x/1.3 Oil 100 1.3 Oil H1 0.71 / 0.63<br />

LCI Plan-NEOFLUAR 25x/0.8 Imm. Korr. 25 0.8 Oil, water or glycerin L1 1.01 / 2.26<br />

LCI Plan-NEOFLUAR 63x/1.3 Imm. Korr. 63 1.3 Water or glycerin H1 1.05 / 0.88<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 10x/0.45 10 0.45 Air L1 1.45 / 6.88<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 20x/0.8 20 0.8 Air L1 1.08 / 1.65<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 40x/0.95 Korr. 40 0.95 Air H1 1.07 / 1.16<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 40x/1.0 Oil 40 1.0 Oil M 0.97 / 1.45<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 40x/1.3 Oil 40 1.3 Oil M 1.07 / 0.94<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 63x/1.0 W 63 1.0 Water H1 0.93 / 1.22<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 63x/1.4 Oil 63 1.4 Oil H1 1.06 / 0.81<br />

Plan-APOCHROMAT 100x/1.4 Oil 100 1.4 Oil H1 0.7 / 0.53<br />

LD LCI Plan-APOCHROMAT 25x/0.8 25 0.8 Oil, water or glycerin L1 0.88 / 1.35<br />

C-APOCHROMAT 10x/0.45 W 10 0.45 Water L1 1.46 / 9.40<br />

C-APOCHROMAT 40x/1.2 W 40 1.2 Water M 0.94 / 0.85<br />

C-APOCHROMAT 63x/1.2 W 63 1.2 Water H1 0.95 / 0.86<br />

LD C-APOCHROMAT 40x/1.1 W 40 1.1 Water M 0.94 / 1.02<br />

αPlan-FLUAR 100x/1.45 Oil 100 1.45 Oil H1 0.67 / 0.48<br />

αPlan-APOCHROMAT 100x/1.46 Oil 100 1.46 Oil H1 0.67 / 0.47<br />

*Analogously to the definition of the Rayleigh unit (distance from the PSF’s maximum to its first minimum)<br />

17


18<br />

<strong>ApoTome</strong> is compatible with the following <strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> stands:<br />

Axioplan 2 imaging (serial numbers: from 35 11 000001; from<br />

35 10 000001; from 35 02 000001), Axio Imager.D1 and<br />

Axio Imager.Z1, Axio Imager.A2, Axio Imager.M2, Axio Imager.D2<br />

and Axio Imager.Z2, Axiovert 200M, Axio Observer.A1,<br />

Axio Observer.D1 and Axio Observer.Z1


For optimum results we recommend the use of chromatically highly<br />

corrected objectives, e.g. of the Plan-NEOFLUAR, Plan-APOCHROMAT,<br />

or C-APOCHROMAT series.<br />

Use of <strong>ApoTome</strong> in connection with Phase Contrast objectives is not<br />

generally recommended, since the phase ring blocks spatial frequencies<br />

in the image, which are important for the reconstruction of the<br />

optical section.<br />

You will find a detailed list of recommended objectives with recommendation<br />

of appropriate grids in the AxioVision Online Help.<br />

19


<strong>Carl</strong> <strong>Zeiss</strong> MicroImaging GmbH<br />

07740 Jena, Germany<br />

BioSciences | Göttingen Location<br />

change.<br />

Phone : +49 551 5060 660<br />

to<br />

Telefax : +49 551 5060 464<br />

subject<br />

E-Mail : micro@zeiss.de<br />

www.zeiss.de/apotome Information<br />

Printed on environmentally friendly<br />

bleached without cholorine.<br />

60-2-0025/e – printed 01.09

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