iLas

Targeted Laser Illuminator from Gataca Systems

The iLas system is a unique optical system for real‐time control of laser illumination. It can perform a variety of targeted laser experiments, including:

  • Photomanipulation
    • FRAP
    • Ablation
    • Photoactivation
  • 360° TIRF
  • Super Resolution Imaging
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Compatibility

The iLas2 is compatible with microscopes from all major manufacturers, including:

  • Leica Microsystems
  • Nikon Instruments
  • Olympus
  • Zeiss
  • Applied Scientific Instrumentation (ASI)

It can be integrated perfectly with spinning disk confocal imagers such as the Yokogawa Electric CSU or the CrEST X‐LIGHT.

It is compatible with autofocus and image stabilization devices, such as the Nikon Perfect Focus System, Zeiss Definite Focus, Olympus Z‐Drift Correction, and ASI CRISP.

Software

Seamless integration with MetaMorph software allows easy control of the iLas system. An easy-to-use graphical user interface allows researchers to manage the position and focalization of laser light in real time. The iLas2 can also be run on custom stand-alone software from Gataca Systems.

Photomanipulation

  • High‐speed scanning: 20,000 points/second
  • Simple auto‐calibration algorithm
  • No optical switching
  • Diffraction limited laser positioning
  • 3-D targeting
  • Streaming capabilities
  • Visible light, UV, and IR light range

The iLas is an elegant tool for photomanipulation applications. By mounting on a microscope's epi‐fluorescence port, it can perform laser experments with no switching of the optical path. The iLas is ideal for 3-D targeting; an auto‐calibration algorithm makes it possible to accurately steer lasers even through deep and dense media. Integration with MetaMorph software can support multiple ROIs in pre-programmed or on‐the‐fly experiments.

FRAP

Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) is a powerful method for quantifying molecular diffusion or biological movement. The high resolution scanning of the iLas2 combined with it's fast speed and non-switching optical path make it an ideal solution for these experiments. Integration with MetaMorph software simplifies multidimension acquisition and data analysis. Lasers are available to match any fluorescent dye.

Ablation

Laser ablation is a potent technique for observing biological reactions and interactions. The iLas2 fully supports the high‐powered lasers necessary for these experiments. Standard solutions are available using 355 nm and 523 nm pulsed lasers, and custom solutions are possible for infrared and other custom experiments.

Photoactivation and photoconversion

Photoactivation and photoconversion are novel solutions for tracking the motion of proteins. Real-time control over laser power and position make the iLas2 is an ideal tool for this type of investigation. With complete microscope automation through MetaMorph, it is easy to combine photoactivation from the iLas with any other type of imaging.

Ablation

Laser ablation is a potent technique for observing biological reactions and interactions. The iLas2 fully supports the high‐powered lasers necessary for these experiments. Standard solutions are available using 355 nm and 523 nm pulsed lasers, and custom solutions are possible for infrared and other custom experiments.

360° TIRF

  • Full revolution scanning
  • Multi‐wavelength with penetration adaptation
  • 400–650nm light range
  • High‐speed angle scanning
  • Unmatched illumination uniformity

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence microscopy (TIRF) is the the ideal technique for imaging near a cover slip. Traditional TIRF systems use a single point of laser entry, which can cause fringe patterns and uneven illumination. The iLas2 uses a unique method of 360° illumination using high‐speed galvanometers. This technique provides unparalleled image uniformity and allows for the highest axial resolution possible (60–300 nm depth). The iLas2 can be used with a wide variety of lasers, with penetration depth adaptation for different wavelengths.

Movies

Watch a short movie of 360° TIRF using the iLas²

Super Resolution

  • Stochastic functional techniques
  • PALM
  • STORM

Single molecule detection and tracking are very demanding techniques. Both require high performance imaging capabilities and the premium optical quality at the excitation and at the emission. iLas² provides the ability to produce wide-field laser illumination (either wide-field, oblique or TIRF) while it significantly improves the illumination uniformity. Thus, event detection probability isn’t modulated by random fringe patterns and tracks receive better continuities.

Add an iLas to your microscope! Contact us for a quote.