Press Release

ZEISS Lightfield 4D for instant volumetric high-speed imaging

Capturing physiological and neuronal processes in 3D

5 March 2025

High-speed fluorescence imaging of physiological and neuronal processes
Gentle long-term observation of living organisms
Accelerated data collection on large samples

Jena, Germany | 05 March 2025 | ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

ZEISS announces the launch of Lightfield 4D, a new microscopy technology based on the light-field principle. As a new imaging mode integrated into the new ZEISS LSM 910 and LSM 990 confocal microscope systems, ZEISS Lightfield 4D redefines the way researchers observe living organisms, especially in the neurosciences, cancer research, developmental biology, and plant sciences. It enables instant volumetric high-speed imaging, allowing researchers to image the dynamic processes of life in complete samples with unprecedented temporal resolution.

The new technology addresses the critical need for 4D imaging – combining volume and time to truly understand biological processes. Traditional optical sectioning techniques that rely on sequential image acquisition to create Z-stack images have long struggled with the limitations of sequential image acquisition, which introduces time delays and compromises the spatiotemporal accuracy of data. ZEISS Lightfield 4D overcomes these challenges by imaging entire 3D data sets at a precise moment in time, eliminating time delays within a captured volume.

Microscope System ZEISS Lightfield 4D enables instant volumetric high-speed fluorescence imaging, capturing physiological and neuronal processes in 3D. — ZEISS Lightfield 4D enables instant volumetric high-speed fluorescence imaging, capturing physiological and neuronal processes in 3D.

Accelerating microscopic imaging: One snap, one volume

Utilizing a micro lens array, ZEISS Lightfield 4D generates 37 individual images simultaneously, capturing comprehensive 3D information in real-time. This innovative approach allows for the creation of Z-stacks through advanced deconvolution-based processing, achieving an impressive rate of up to 80 volume Z-stacks per second, providing insights into rapid biological events such as physiological and neuronal processes.

Improving biological insight with speed and gentleness

A complete Z-stack is captured in one illumination event. This reduces light exposure and phototoxic effects. It allows for long-term imaging of entire living organisms at high temporal density, following biological processes over long periods of time. The unmatched speed of ZEISS Lightfield 4D facilitates the capture of multi-color volumes of large samples, enhancing productivity of experiments across various applications.

"Combining volume and time to enhance our understanding of complex biological processes, ZEISS Lightfield 4D represents a leap forward in 4D imaging," says Dr. Bernhard Zimmermann, Head of Life Sciences Microscopy at ZEISS. "We believe that Lightfield 4D will redefine the imaging landscape. This innovative system empowers researchers to capture biological processes in real-time, providing unprecedented insights into the dynamic nature of life."

Instant volumetric imaging of a beating embryonic zebrafish heart, acquired with ZEISS Lightfield 4D; Courtesy of Stone Elworthy and Emily Noël, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield

New LSM platforms

The combination of the remarkable imaging flexibility of laser scanning microscopes (LSMs) and the gentle and instant volume imaging capabilities of ZEISS Lightfield 4D enables previously impossible experiments and pushes scientific research to new frontiers.

In conjunction with the launch of Lightfield 4D, ZEISS introduces enhanced versions of its LSM platforms: ZEISS LSM 910 and LSM 990. These upgraded systems feature new high-bandwidth electronics that support beampath technology for exceptional light preservation, visualization of high dynamic ranges, and a broad wavelength bandwidth. Additionally, image quality improvements with ZEISS Airyscan jDCV are now available for all Airyscan Multiplex modes. With the help of the Microscopy Copilot, a personal AI assistant, researchers can interactively explore new possibilities for their imaging experiments.

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Press Contact Vybhav Sinha ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue around 11 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (30 September 2024).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 46,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 35 production facilities worldwide (30 September 2024). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is the leading provider of light, electron, X-ray microscope systems, correlative microscopy and software solutions leveraging AI technologies. The portfolio comprises of products and services for life sciences, materials and industrial research, as well as education and clinical routine applications. The unit is headquartered in Jena. Additional production and development sites are located in Germany, UK, USA and China. ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.

Further information at www.zeiss.com/microscopy