THUNDER imager family enables users to decode 3D biology in real-time*

Wetzlar. World-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative microscope solutions, Leica Microsystems, has announced the launch of a new class of instruments for high-speed, high-quality imaging of a large diversity of samples, including thick specimens. THUNDER Imagers allow to visualize clearly in real time details even deep inside thick samples of biologically relevant models like model organisms, tissue sections, and 3D cell cultures. This makes THUNDER Imager a cost-effective and speedy alternative to methods like structured illumination or spinning disc.

THUNDER Imager eliminates the out-of-focus blur that clouds the view of thick samples when using camera-based fluorescence microscopes. This performance advantage is achieved with a new opto-digital method created by Leica Microsystems called Computational Clearing. Currently unique to the market, the new technology deployed in THUNDER Imagers makes visualization and analysis of large volume, thick specimens ideal for many biomedical applications where they are required, including regenerative medicine, cancer, and stem cell research to decode 3D biology in real time.

Markus Lusser, President of Leica Microsystems: “The innovations we are investing in at Leica Microsystems are all about maximizing output and reducing cost and complexity, leveraging our 170 years of expertise. We are extremely proud of this new family of instruments we are bringing to market, which will help our customers meet challenges in the laboratory that come with the trend towards using always more biologically relevant specimens that are typically thicker.”

The new series of THUNDER Imagers are available in configurations for three application areas:
•       THUNDER Imager for 3D Cell Culture & 3D Live Cell are designed for imaging of cell culture assays. It helps to maintain optimal physiological conditions by minimizing photobleaching, providing high-performance imaging and high-throughput of data leading to better workflow efficiency and statistics.
•       THUNDER Imager for Tissue is designed for real-time 3D fluorescent imaging of thick tissue sections. Typically used for neuroscience and histology research, this system combines the speed, fluorescence-signal sensitivity and ease-of-use common to widefield microscopes, while providing improved resolution of a tissue’s finest structures.
•       THUNDER Imager for Model Organisms enables imaging of organisms used for developmental or molecular biology research, such as Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish, mice, etc. It delivers blur-free images revealing the fine structural details of live organisms, while keeping them under optimal physiological conditions.

* in accordance with ISO/IEC 2382:2015

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About Leica Microsystems

Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology. It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopes.

Leica Microsystems has six major plants and product development sites around the world. The company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.