The mesoSPIM

Description of the microscope:

Flexibility and versatility: The MesoSPIM is a cutting-edge light-sheet microscope that addresses the challenges of imaging large cleared samples with near-isotropic resolution in a matter of minutes. It is an open-hardware project that is compatible with any type of cleared or expanded sample. Unlike many existing instruments, the MesoSPIM is designed with large samples in mind (mm) and can accommodate even whole mouse central nervous systems without cutting. The instrument combines a large imaging volume, excellent image quality over large fields-of-view, and simple and versatile sample handling.

Features : The MesoSpim is the ultimate tool for high-speed, isotropic imaging of cleared samples.

With a scanning rate of 5-8 minutes, this axially scanned light-sheet microscope provides an uniform 6.5um voxel size across the entire field of view, ensuring exceptional image quality. With a vertical sample rotation axis, you can rotate your sample 360° without changing the direction of gravity, preventing rotation-induced distortions of soft samples.

Sample mounting is made easy with the kinematic mounts and magnetic sample holders that allow for fast sample exchange. Thanks to the different corvette sizes and its large travel range (44.5 mm × 44.5 mm × 100 mm), the mesoSPIM is compatible with a wide range of sample clearing techniques, including CLARITY, X-CLARITY, CUBIC-X, BABB, iDISCO, and MASH and sizes. This makes it ideal for screening batches of cleared samples, saving valuable time and effort.

The mesoSPIM’s excitation path (Dual-sided illumination and the Axially scanned light-sheet technology) is designed to reduce shadowing artifacts, producing a uniform illumination profile in the sample that simplifies data analysis.

Easy of use: The mesoSPIM is designed to be user-friendly, with simple sample mounting and fast acquisitions that allow for quick screening of samples.

Full suite of software for image processing and analysis: To facilitate image processing and analysis, several software package come with the microscopes like IMARIS, Huygens, AMIRA and Wiener.

Overall, the mesoSPIM is an easy-to-use microscope that provides isotropic data from a cleared sample within 5-8 minutes, making it a valuable tool for researchers in neuroscience and beyond.