The 980 is a laser scanning confocal instrument configured for imaging fixed and live specimens at fast speeds. The multi-modal system is built around a motorized AxioObserverZ1 inverted microscope and features hardware-based Z drift compensation and a Piezo stage for precise z-stepping. The stage is also motorized in X,Y to mark positions or acquire images of areas larger than the field of view through tiling. The stage is equipped with an environmental chamber for CO_² and temperature control. 

Unique to this setup are the dual acquisition and processing computers for simultaneous imaging and image processing for faster workflows. 

Several imaging modalities and detection strategies are implemented on this setup.   

• Laser scanning confocal: This light path features two multi-alkali PMTs and one GaAsP PMT for three track imaging, along with the Airyscan 2 GASP detector for a possible 4th track. This system also has Confocal 8Y mode, which can image eight times faster than conventional point laser scanning by acquiring 8 lines in parallel. 

• Super resolution confocal Airyscanning: The new Airyscan 2 detector with Multiplex 4Y mode delivers super-resolved images 4X faster than conventional point laser scanning. The system also features a jDCV deconvolution package from Zeiss for an even larger signal to noise and resolution boost. Read about how Airyscan improves resolution here!