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THUNDER Imager Tissue

THUNDER_Tissue_Zoom

Decode 3D biology in real time*

The THUNDER Imager Tissue allows real-time fluorescence imaging of 3D tissue sections typically used in neuroscience and histology research. Acquire rich, detailed images of thick tissues, free from the haze ofout-of-focus blur.

With Computational Clearing, an innovative Leica technology, fine structures deep in tissues can be resolved thanks to Computational Clearing, an innovative Leica technology. Image detailed morphological structures like axons and dendrites of neurons in a brain slice. The high image quality, even with thick tissue sections, is combined with the well-known speed, fluorescence efficiency, and ease of use of a widefield microscope.

Gain these advantages using a THUNDER Imager Tissue for your research:

  • Get computationally cleared images directly in your live preview with THUNDER Live
  • Rapidly acquire blur-free images showing finest details of the morphology, even deep within thick specimens
  • Fast sample overviews with full electronic synchronization of the hardware
  • Image and analyze challenging tissue sections with an intuitive and integrated workflow

*in accordance with ISO/IEC 2382:2015

Begin every experiment with confidence

Widefield

Leica

THUNDER Imager Tissue

Leica

Perform high resolution tissue imaging on thick samples without struggling to find your region of interest.

The new THUNDER Live add-on visualizes a computationally cleared image instantly in the live view and allows you to optimize ICC parameters by using live image feedback.

Your benefits with THUNDER Live:

  • Computationally cleared images directly in your live preview.
  • Reduced time to optimal results with immediate visual feedback.
  • Intuitively and quickly find the best THUNDER ICC parameters on the fly while still in live view.
  • Easy selection of important regions of interest even with thick samples.

Faster imaging

Increase your slide scanning experiment speed and perform fast and efficient multicolor acquisiton. You'll be able to assess more fluorescent markers with less photobleaching.

The advantages with the accelerated tissue imaging

  • Scan your samples, such as slides, faster with fully synchronized hardware control
  • Multicolor acquisitions are more than two times faster when using the Synapse controller
  • Discover contextual information unbelievably fast with multicolor, whole slide scanning experiments
  • Evaluate more markers, with less photobleaching, through precise control of multiline LED light sources

Resolve fine details of challenging specimens

THUNDER Imager Tissue delivers instantly cleared fluorescent images with fine details of your multi-color tissue sections. Simply turn on the THUNDER Imager and start imaging! The unique Computational Clearing method will use optimal parameters to produce expert results. It does this automatically with no need for calibration or user interaction.

Achieve optimal fluorescence and contrast settings instantly via the patented Leica fluorescence intensity (FIM) and contrast managers. Choose from a range of objectives, optimized for specific applications, to ensure outstanding results even with challenging specimens.

The advantages with the accelerated tissue imaging

"THUNDER Imager Tissue configurations"

Leica

Choose the configuration which best meets your requirements:

  • With the Computational Clearing functionality, you can have a fully automated tissue imaging system for recording multi-color images. Including THUNDER Live for easy previews*.
  • Our adaptive deconvolution can be combined with Computational Clearing to achieve brilliant imaging with 3D samples. Achieve high contrast, 3-dimensional images with maximized resolution and clarity.
*Only available with certain configurations

The Ultimate Combination: Laser Microdissection and THUNDER Imaging

THUNDER can be combined with additional Laser Microdissection (LMD) capabilities on the same system. Since both systems are based on our upright microscopy stand, the LMD and THUNDER Imager Tissue can be combined to offer:

  • Space savings with one system for multiple tasks
  • Brilliant fluorescence imaging with THUNDER using LAS X
  • Laser Microdissection using the unique LMD Software to visualize and mark regions of interest for subsequent dissection and collection via gravity into standard vials ready for downstream processing such as RNAseq, NGS, MS, qPCR, microarray etc.
Does the THUNDER Imagers preserve both raw image data and THUNDERed data?
Yes, THUNDER Imagers always keep both the raw data and the THUNDERed data. It is however possible to only keep the THUNDERed data to reduce data size.
Can the user modulate the Computational Clearing parameters?
Computational Clearing offers two parameters: “Feature scale” and “Strength”. Feature scale defines the maximum size of features which need to be unmasked from the background. The default value of this parameter is set very conservatively for each magnification but can be finetuned by the user. “Strength” defines how much of the blur is to be removed. Its default value depends on the selected THUNDER method. “Feature scale” and “Strength” can both be adjusted separately for each of the fluorescence channels. See LAS X THUNDER tutorial.
Are THUNDER Imager file formats compatible with downstream image analysis?
THUNDERed images are saved in the typical Leica file formats “lif”, “lof” and “xlef” (XLEF combined with TIF, JPEG, PNG, BMP or LOF). These established formats are compatible with image analysis software packages such as Aivia, and other analysis software that use open-source library bio-formats (I.e., FIJI and Omero). Data can also be exported to the image formats TIF, JPEG, PNG and BMP and movie formats AVI, QuickTime, MP4 and WMV. More about Thunder and Aivia.
Can stitched tile Z-Stack images be THUNDERed?
Yes, stitched tile Z-stacks can be THUNDERed. The only size limit is the available space on the temp-drive.
What is the maximum acquisition depth in z that still gives a good resolution without free clearing for plant imaging?
There is no clear answer to this. It strongly depends on the specimen properties. Our THUNDER TechNote includes an example of a 150µm thick brain section, but this is not the limit. In the upper layers of this brain section, fine details can be resolved and segmented. Although the resolution and segmentation may be reduced for deeper layers, imaging at a depth of 150μm reveal significant details which are not visible in the raw data.
Is it possible to do quantitative analysis with THUNDERed images?
The answer is a clear Yes. Computational Clearing effectively differentiates between signal and background. Only background is removed while the signal is preserved and can be used for quantification. This is important when dealing with varying background intensities often found in biological samples. A comparison between signal intensities requires the removal of background first. Computational Clearing does this automatically without the need for local background removal algorithms which usually need to be fine-tuned. For more information on intensity quantification please see the THUNDER TechNote.
What published algorithms are working in THUNDER and where can I find the publication for that?
Computational Clearing is described in Patent EP 3 571 663 B1. A less technical description of the THUNDER methods is available in Leica Science lab. There are also numerous publications available describing applications where THUNDER has been used.
Does THUNDER work during live acquisition or is it a post processing step?
Typically, THUNDER is applied on the fly and displayed in the viewer during the acquisition. It is also possible to apply the THUNDER methods post acquisition. See LAS X THUNDER tutorial.
How can I get a product demonstration?
For a product demonstration please contact your local Leica sales representative or fill in the contact form. Alternatively, for a first glimpse on the THUNDER performance, you can simply check out our THUNDER video tutorials.
How does THUNDER compare to other techniques like deconvolution, spinning disk and structured illumination?
Comparison to deconvolution: The core technology in all THUNDER Imagers is Computational Clearing. Computational Clearing removes blur in real time and extends the range of applications to thick samples compared to conventional Widefield techniques. THUNDER Imagers offer all the benefits of camera-based systems such as high acquisition speed, low light stress, high dynamic range, and high sensitivity, allowing imaging under physiological conditions. Image quality can be further improved by combining Computational Clearing with 3D deconvolution as offered in the methods Small Volume Computational Clearing (SVCC) and Large Volume Computational Clearing (LVCC). LVCC specifically benefits from Computational Clearing as it makes thick samples more accessible for deconvolution. Comparison to other imaging techniques: another way to acquire optical sections with camera-based imaging systems is by using multiple-point illumination, such as a Nipkow disk or grid-projecting devices. The latter introduces artifacts whenever the grid cannot be projected sharply in the focal plane so they can struggle with thick specimens. In addition, they require multiple exposures for each image which slows down acquisition and may cause more photo damage to the sample. Disk-based systems, on the other hand, must deal with the finite distance between pinholes which introduces light contamination from out-of-focus planes at certain imaging depths. The benchmark for optical sectioning of 3D samples are confocal point scanners which offer superior quality high-contrast fluorescence images. However, with point scanning confocal systems, imaging large samples can be time consuming.
Which are the advantages of the THUNDER technology?
THUNDER Imagers are integrated, well-established system solutions dedicated to specific applications. The THUNDER Imager family offers solutions for 3D tissue, 3D cell cultures, model organisms and CLEM applications. THUNDER Imagers enable users to image thick samples that would be beyond the capabilities of conventional widefield systems by removing blur making thick samples accessible for analysis. THUNDER imagers increase physiological relevance by using highly sensitive cameras that apply a minimal light dose to your sample. Furthermore, the statistical significance of the data can be increased as background independent quantification enables the detection and analysis of more objects in your images. THUNDER Imagers minimize time to result by skipping the post processing step. 3D Widefield images require a deconvolution step prior to image analysis. This step is not necessary on a THUNDER Imager since the images are THUNDERed during acquisition and can immediately be used for analysis saving time. From Organs to Tissues to Cells: Analyzing 3D Specimens with Widefield Microscopy - Bitesize Bio
What are the benefits of upgrading to THUNDER technology?
Upgrading to THUNDER technology offers several significant benefits. It fundamentally changes the way you work when imaging model organisms, tissue sections, and 3D cell cultures like organoids . THUNDER also improves image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for more accurate image quantification and analysis . Additionally, THUNDER technology is compatible with a wide range of sample types and imaging modalities, making it a versatile solution for various research applications.
Can THUNDER technology be integrated into existing Leica microscopes?
Yes, THUNDER technology can be seamlessly integrated into selected models of Leica Microsystems microscopes. Leica Microsystems offers THUNDER upgrade options for both new and existing microscopes, allowing researchers to enhance their imaging capabilities without the need for a complete system replacement. For more information, please contact your Sales specialist. Contact us
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Protecting your investment upfront for complete peace of mind Designed to provide full system coverage for your newly purchased microscope and reduce the cost of ownership with exclusive rates. Delivering upon our commitment to extend your system’s lifetime and reduce risk with regular updates and checks. Key features 1-annual preventive maintenance 3-business day on-site response* Unlimited replacement of service parts All labor & travel costs included Required software updates & patches Proactive remote monitoring (RemoteCare)* 2-business hour approximate hotline response* *Varies by region or equipment