The Leica TCS SP5 STED is a versatile laser-scanning microscope offering both standard confocal imaging and super-resolution STED microscopy on a single platform. It is suitable for routine fluorescence imaging as well as experiments requiring resolution beyond the diffraction limit. 

Key Capabilities

  • Confocal laser scanning for high-quality 2D, 3D and multi-colour imaging

  • STED super-resolution imaging for nanoscale structural detail

  • Spectral detection with flexible excitation and emission separation

  • High-sensitivity detectors for low-signal samples

  • Suitable for fixed and live-cell imaging (depending on experiment)

Typical Applications

  • Sub-cellular and structural biology imaging

  • Multi-colour fluorescence experiments

  • Super-resolution imaging of fine cellular features

Key Features

  • Dual-mode imaging: Confocal point-scanning for high-resolution 2D/3D imaging plus STED super-resolution capability to resolve sub-cellular structures with enhanced spatial detail.
  • Broadband confocal performance: Up to five simultaneous spectral channels via high-efficiency detectors, AOBS (Acousto-Optical Beam Splitter) technology, and flexible excitation wavelengths.
  • Advanced scanning: Fast conventional and resonant scanning modes for both high-sensitivity and high-speed imaging.
  • Super-resolution STED illumination (e.g., CW STED laser) enables imaging beyond the diffraction limit, often down to tens of nanometers depending on dyes and setup.
  • Sensitive detection: Hybrid (HyD) and photon-counting detectors improve detection of weak signals and support gated STED imaging for improved contrast. 

Location:

Room 404, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College Rd, London SW7 2AZ