Precise optical microscopes designed with innovative technology for use in life- and material-science research, scientific studies, manufacturing, and nanotechnology, as well as laboratories and classrooms worldwide.
Overview
As a leader in microscopy systems, Leica Microsystems offers imaging solutions for medical and scientific research and quality control in various industries. Our range of microscopy products includes stereo to digital microscopes, super-resolution and confocal systems, cameras, software, and sample preparation solutions.
Advantages
Advantages
- High precision: Leica scientific microscopes are capable of precise measurements, making them valuable tools for applications such as live-cell imaging, 3D-cell-culture investigations, tissue screening, material-science and nanotechnology research.
- Non-destructive observation: Leica microscopes allow users to study a specimen without causing damage or altering its properties.
- Versatility: The different microscopes in our range can be used in various fields to study different types of samples and specimens, making them a versatile tool for research and discovery.
Applications
Applications of Leica Microscopes
- Life-science research – Innovative and technically advanced, our life-science research microscopes are used in labs and sometimes educational settings to visualize, measure, and analyze biological microstructures.
- Live-cell imaging – Leica cell-imaging solutions ensure cell health and protection, delivering great image quality and capturing fast biological processes in action.
- Neuroscience research– Leica imaging systems with advanced microscopy techniques enable users to observe and understand the nervous system at cellular and subcellular levels and view any molecular changes pertaining to neurodegenerative diseases in a cognitive and behavioral context.
- Organoids and 3D-cell-culture studies – Leica light microscopy systems help users study the complex interactions and relations within 3D-cell-culture systems, like organoids, spheroids, or organ-on-a-chip models, aiding researchers who investigate disease onset, tissue regeneration, and interactions between organs.
- Virology – Leica imaging and sample preparation solutions help scientists investigate viral entry and fusion, genome integration, viral replication, assembly, and virus budding with the goal to develop interventional solutions.
- Cancer research – Leica high-resolution imaging and microscopy solutions have become indispensable for studying genetic and cell-signaling changes that underlie cancer, the spatial relationships between tumor cells, and the role of immune cells in fighting cancer.
- Zebrafish research – The optics and high-resolution of Leica microscopy systems allow scientists to visualize fine structural details enabling best results during screening, sorting, manipulation, and imaging so that they can chart the next steps of their research.
- Digital microscopes are used for quality control and inspection processes in manufacturing to visualize and analyze small parts and components, such as electronic and mechanical parts. They can also be used to observe and analyze life-science specimens.
FAQs
How do I choose the right microscope?
To choose a suitable microscope, consider the application, the level of magnification required, and factors such as resolution, quality, and ease of use. It is also important to consider the budget and any specific requirements or features needed for the application, such as fluorescence imaging or digital image capture.
Contact our team for help in choosing the right microscope for your application.
What is the difference between brightfield, phase contrast, and fluorescence microscopy?
Brightfield microscopy
Brightfield microscopy is the most basic form of microscopy where specimens are viewed against a bright background. It works with transmitted or incident white light and is commonly used for observing stained or naturally pigmented biological specimens.
Phase-contrast microscopy
Phase-contrast microscopy enhances the contrast of transparent, unstained biological specimens by exploiting the differences in refractive index. It converts phase shifts of light passing through the specimen into brightness variations, making subtle details more visible.
Fluorescence microscopy
Fluorescence microscopy involves the use of fluorophores which are molecules that emit light of a specific wavelength when excited by light of a different wavelength. This phenomenon enables visualization of specific targets in a biological specimen by labeling them with fluorescent dyes or proteins. It is widely used for studying cellular structures, protein localization, and molecular interactions.
Which types of microscopes can produce three-dimensional images of cells?
Many microscopes can produce three-dimensional images of cells, including confocal microscopes, two-photon microscopes, structured illumination microscopes. Basically, with the appropriate software and z-stack, users can produce a 3-D image of specimens like 3D cell culture or tissue sectons.
What is the importance of a microscope for cell-line development?
Microscopes play an important role for cell-line development. They allow researchers to inspect and identify specific cell types and characteristics visually. This information can be used to select and purify specific cell lines, optimize cell-culture conditions, and improve the efficiency of cell-based assays and processes.
What are the different types of microscopes in the Leica product line-up?
There are many different types of Leica microscopes and related products for various applications:
Confocal Microscopes
Leica confocal microscopes use a focused laser to create high-resolution 3D images of a specimen and provide nano-range data for biomedical research.
Digital Microscopes
Leica digital microscopes are designed to capture and display images digitally, eliminating the need for eyepieces and allowing easy image sharing.
Light Microscopes
Leica light microscopes are easy-to-use, ensuring high contrast with visible illumination to magnify the image of a specimen for applications such as live cells and tissue culture.
Laser Microdissection (LMD) Microscope
Leica LMD systems use a laser to dissect specific areas of a specimen in order to isolate single cells or larger tissue sections for further analysis relating to genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
Microscope Software
Leica microscope image analysis software integrates new microscope technology, digital cameras, and accessories to simplify image manipulation, analysis, documentation, and sharing.
Microscope Cameras
Leica microscope cameras capture and record high-quality images and videos of a specimen for documentation and analysis.
Can Leica microscopes be used for electron microscopy?
No, Leica microscopes are optical not electron microscopes. While they are excellent for light-microscopy applications, offering high-quality imaging and precise measurements, electron microscopy requires a specialized instrument that uses electron beams to achieve much higher magnification and resolution, allowing for the observation of structures at the nanoscale.
However, Leica Microsystems is a leading provider of electron microscope sample preparation equipment and workflows.
How can laboratory microscopes improve efficiency of visual inspection?
Laboratory microscopes can significantly improve the efficiency of visual inspection by providing high-quality imaging, precise measurements, and versatile applications across various fields. For efficient inspection of biological specimens, the types of illumination used in these lab microscopes allows researchers to carry out brightfield, phase contrast, darkfield, and polarization to visualize and document the state of specimens, such as cells, tissues, or materials. Our proprietary technology ensures ease of use, measurement accuracy, and reduced errors. The high resolution of these microscopes can also help users carry out failure analysis in many industries.
How does artificial intelligence (AI) contribute to the use of microscopy for gaining spatial insights into life-science specimens?
Examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) helps microscopy provide spatial insights into specimens are research on optimizing neuronal soma detection and facilitating morphological characterization in 3D. AI enhances the efficiency and accuracy of analysis. The latest AI-driven Aivia Image Analysis software delivers better soma detection, neuron tracing flexibility, three-dimensional spatial measurement, etc. The power of combining these capabilities into one platform helps researchers carry out improved image analysis, driving innovations.
Explore our flagship product - Aivia AI Image Analysis Software
Can microscopes assist medical research, such as helping to obtain a better understanding of dislocated cataracts and Alzheimer's disease?
Microscopes play a crucial role in medical research, contributing to the understanding and treatment of various medical conditions. While they are not directly involved in treating conditions like dislocated cataracts, microscopes are instrumental in studying the structural aspects of the eye, aiding in the development of treatment approaches. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, microscopes are indispensable tools for examining neural tissues, providing insights into the disease's progression and supporting research efforts to develop effective interventions.
How do Leica microscopes help advance cancer research?
Leica microscopes contribute to advancing cancer research by offering high-resolution imaging and microscopy solutions, allowing researchers to study genetic and cell signaling changes underlying cancer and the role of immune cells in fighting cancer.
Can Leica microscopes be used for examining live specimens?
Leica microscopes can be used for examining live specimens, providing real-time visualization and analysis for various applications in life-science and medical research.
Here are the leading Leica products for examining live specimens: