Carl Zeiss Obtains License from University of California for Illumination Technique

Carl Zeiss and the University of California, San Francisco, agree on marketing rights for light sheet fluorescence microscopy illumination techniques

September 27, 2011 — Carl Zeiss has received a license from the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) for the commercialization of “Multidirectional Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy” (mSPIM), an advanced illumination technique for light sheet fluorescence microscopy.

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy is a relatively new application for the life sciences. It is ideally suited for live imaging of fluorescently labeled specimens up to millimeters in size. Specimens can be imaged for days under certain physiological conditions and with minimum photo-induced damage.

The mSPIM technique was developed by Dr. Jan Huisken at UCSF. It reduces absorption and scattering artifacts and provides an evenly illuminated focal plane. By alternating illumination of the sample from multiple sides, mSPIM overcomes two common problems in light sheet imaging techniques: shadowing effects in the excitation path and spreading of the light sheet by scattering in the sample.

The agreement grants Carl Zeiss the right to integrate the mSPIM technology in its microscopy systems. The first commercial light sheet fluorescence microscope (LSFM, also known as “selective plane illumination microscope” or “SPIM”) for multidimensional, ultrafast and long-term timelapse imaging of live specimens is currently being developed at Carl Zeiss in Germany.

Together with Carl Zeiss’ innovative concepts for light sheet microscopy, the licensing of mSPIM represents another big step forward in 3D microscopy of living specimens. This benefits diverse fields such as developmental biology, cell biology, neurobiology, stem cell research and marine biology.

About Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, LLC, a subsidiary of Carl Zeiss, Inc., offers microscopy solutions and systems for research, routine, and industrial applications. In addition, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging markets microscopy systems for the clinical market, as well as optical sensor systems for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Since 1846, Carl Zeiss has remained committed to enabling science and technology to go beyond what man can see. Today, Carl Zeiss is a global leader in the optical and opto-electronic industries.

With 12,872 current employees and offices in over 30 countries, Carl Zeiss is represented in more than 100 countries with production centers in Europe, North America, Central America and Asia. For more information on the breadth of solutions offered by Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, please visit www.zeiss.com/micro