Leica SP8 DLS

The Leica TCS SP8 DLS is a dual function fluorescence microscope that can be used as a conventional laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) or as a lightsheet fluorescence microscope (LSFM).  A fully automated inverted microscope platform supports both modes.


As a confocal microscope, the Leica SP8 DLS features:

  • Up to 4 channel simultaneous detection
  • Two high sensitivity hybrid detectors and two PMTs
  • Four laser lines for excitation of most standard fluorophores
  • Spectral detection permits complete flexibility in choosing emission detection wavelengths
  • Integration with Huygens Deconvolution software optimizes images efficiently


Leica employs a novel mirror device and condenser-mounted objective to convert the SP8 DLS into a lightsheet microscope, providing ability to:

  • Rapidly image even thick transparent fluorescent samples
  • Conduct time-lapse imaging over long periods with low bleaching and toxicity
  • Illuminate samples from both sides for clearer images and reduced shadowing
  • Excite standard fluorophores with choice of four laser lines

For more information about the Leica SP8 DLS, please visit Leica Microsystems or contact us.

System specifications:

Leica TCS SP8 DLS hybrid laser scanning confocal and digital lightsheet microscope-  The dual mode motorized inverted DMi8 microscope has four laser excitation lines (405, 488, 552, and 638nm).  In confocal mode, the Acousto-Optical Beam Splitter and Spectral Detection allow user selection of any desired emission detection window.  Two hybrid detectors plus two PMTs permit either high or standard sensitivity fluorescence detection, plus transmitted light/DIC detector.  Available confocal optics include 10x dry, 20x multi-immersion, 63x glycerol, and 40x, 63x, and 100x oil immersion objectives.  The Digital LightSheet (DLS) mode excites samples in a plane at 90 degrees from the imaging objective, eliminating excitation out of the plane of focus.  The high sensitivity Hamamatsu Orca Flash 4.0 V2 sCMOS 16 bit camera, rapidly captures images with minimal phototoxicity and sample bleaching.  DLS mode uses 10x and 25x long working distance water immersion imaging objectives.  Image processing is performed using Leica LAS X software with integrated Huygens Deconvolution package.