Thorlabs’ Modular Inverted Microscopy Platform provides a turnkey solution for widefield, confocal, and multiphoton imaging. Inverted microscopes are powerful and versatile research tools that can accommodate a range of applications, such as fluorescence, in vivo, ex vivo, 3D, high-resolution, high-speed (video-rate), and live tissue imaging. This platform is designed to meet the needs of labs working in cell biology and other life science applications that require an inverted microscopy platform while including key features provided by our upright systems, such as multiple imaging modalities, accessory ports, and easily accessible light paths.
The key highlights that set our Veneto inverted microscope platform apart from the typical inverted microscope are listed in the Highlights tab, while the Featurestab gives more details on the supported imaging techniques and the day-to-day usage features. This platform is available as a turnkey system that also offers users access to internal optomechanics and optics for DIY customization. We offer configurations that support widefield, darkfield, phase, Dodt, confocal, and multiphoton imaging; see the Configurations tab for more details.
Options at a Glance
Laser Scanning
8 kHz and 12 kHz Resonant-Galvo-Galvo (US Patent 10,722,977) and Galvo-Resonant Scanners for High-Speed Imaging
Galvo-Galvo Scanners for User-Defined ROI Shapes and Photostimulation Patterns
Super Broadband Scan Optics Optimized for Two-Photon and Three-Photon Imaging
Signal Detection
Standard Multialkali or High-Sensitivity GaAsP PMTs
13° Detection Module for up to Four PMTs with Confocal Imaging
13° Non-Descanned Detection Module for Two PMTs with Multiphoton Imaging
Up to 7 Customizable Optical Pathways
3 Paths on Bottom Tier for Laser Scanning and Widefield Imaging
1 Path on Second Tier for Reflected Light Illumination or Laser Scanning
1 Path on Third Tier Behind the Objective for Non-Descanned Detection
1 Transmitted Light Path
1 Trinocular Path
If you have additional questions about our Veneto imaging systems, please click on the Contact Me button to the right to send us an email.
Credit for Image Above: Wild-type mouse brain section (300 μm x 300 μm) tagged with DAPI (405 nm), Alexa 488 anti-S100B, Alexa 555 anti-Neurofilament, and Alexa 633 anti-GFAP. Sample Courtesy of Lynne Holtzclaw, NIH/NICHD/MIC.
The Veneto Inverted Microscopes are turnkey systems that support widefield, confocal, and multiphoton imaging. This tab outlines the key highlights that set the Veneto platform apart from the typical inverted microscope. See the table to the right for the quick links to each section.
Click on different parts of the microscope for more details.
Inverted 4-Channel Confocal Example Configuration
Vertically Integrated System
Composed of Thorlabs Manufactured Components
Multiple Ports for Mounting Scientific Cameras or Detection Devices
Bottom Port for Efficient Emission Detection (Requires Custom Optical Table with Compatible Opening for Access; To Request More Information, Click Here)
Motorized Six-Position Turret Holds Ø30 mm Excitation and Emission Filters to Support Greater Collection Angles for Increased Signal
High-Speed Motorized XY Stage with Scanning Speed up to 250 mm/s
Our Veneto microscopes come fully integrated with all the necessary components required to meet the exact needs of an experiment. As shown in the image to the right, Thorlabs manufactures the components to ensure seamless functionality; click on different parts of the microscope for more details. With a compact 32" x 18" (812.8 mm x 457.2 mm) footprint, our inverted microscopes offer broad compatibility with a variety of light sources and accept Ø30 mm optics in a motorized six-position filter turret. Direct access to several independent optical paths via SM2 (2.035"-40) ports with 60 mm cage pattern holes or SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) ports allows researchers the option to build in their own custom imaging modalities.
Integrated Control Unit and ThorImage®LS Software The included ThorImageLS software supports multiple imaging techniques and offers seamless modality changes when switching between configurations. An electronic control unit allows the user to operate all included motorized components through ThorImageLS and handheld controllers. The software recognizes each component once plugged in. Additionally, the control unit offers empty slots for future upgradability to add more modalities. Users can customize their workspace in the intuitive GUI and choose to visualize only the settings relevant to each aspect of the experiment. Open SDKs enable users to code their own device plugins; see the ThorImageLS tab for more details.
Click for Details Resonant-Galvo-Galvo (RGG) scanners use an additional galvanometer in concert with a traditional galvo-resonant scanner to move the scan region. The resonant scanner can access independent ROIs across the entire field at high spatial resolution without sacrificing speed. The RGG will scan a small region within the FOV completely before moving to the next region. Edges of the scan region and the path the beam takes between scan regions are masked by Pockels cells to avoid unwanted exposure. Sample Courtesy of Lynne Holtzclaw, NIH/NICHD/MIC.
High-Speed Scanners
8 kHz and 12 kHz Resonant-Galvo-Galvo (US Patent 10,722,977) for Sequential Targeting
8 kHz and 12 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanners for High-Speed Imaging
Galvo-Galvo Scanners for User-Defined ROI Shapes and Photostimulation Patterns
Veneto inverted microscopes can be configured with one or two co-registered scan paths to propagate, condition, and direct an input laser beam. We offer resonant-galvo-galvo scanners, galvo-resonant scanners, and a galvo-galvo scanner. These choices allow the user to optimize each experiment as needed for high frame rates, high sensitivity, and/or targeted exposure of the regions of interest.
Resonant-Galvo-Galvo Scanners for Random Access Scanning: Thorlabs offers 8 kHz and 12 kHz resonant-galvo-galvo (RGG) scanners. The design of our RGG scanners is registered under US Patent 10,722,977. These scanners enable multiple areas within a single FOV to be imaged at high speed in quick succession; see the image to the right. Our 8 kHz scanners utilize the entire field of view and offer a maximum frame rate of 400 fps, while our 12 kHz scanners provide an increased frame rate of 600 fps.
Galvo-Resonant Scanners for High-Speed Imaging: Thorlabs offers 8 kHz and 12 kHz galvo-resonant scanners. Our 8 kHz scanners utilize the entire field of view and offer a maximum frame rate of 400 fps, while our 12 kHz scanners provide an increased frame rate of 600 fps.
Galvo-Galvo Scanners for User-Defined ROI Shapes: Galvo-galvo scanners support user-drawn scan geometries (lines, polylines, squares, and rectangles) and also support custom photoactivation patterns (circles, ellipses, polygons, and points). They offer consistent pixel dwell times for better signal integration and image uniformity.
Click to Enlarge The built-in motorized focusing module translates the entire third tier pathway (outlined in red). This pathway includes the objective turret and the non-descanned PMTs.
Built-In Motorized Focusing Module
Innovative Motorized Focusing Module Designed into the Microscope Frame
Capture High-Speed Z-Stacks up to 15 mm Long
Move Objectives Using Stepper Motor with 15 mm Travel Range and 100 nm Resolution
Optional Piezo Motor with 100 µm Travel Range and 50 nm Resolution
Control Focusing Module via the Included ThorImageLS Software
The Veneto microscope platform features an innovative built-in motorized focusing module fitted with a absolute linear encoder and a compact stepper motor actuator. The actuator provides smooth linear motion control and allows very small step sizes over the entire 15 mm travel range, delivering greater flexibility with a fine 100 nm resolution. The focusing module translates the entire third tier pathway that lies behind the objective; see the image to the right. This pathway is mounted on a vertical stage, which has a rigid, all-steel design and heavy-duty cross-roller bearings for uniform performance over the entire range of motion. The focusing module, which is built into the microscope frame behind the pathway, drives the stage to translate the objective turret and non-descanned PMTs.
For more precise movement, the focusing module can include an optional piezo motor that offers 100 µm travel with 50 nm resolution. The dual-drive option for the focusing module allows users to image multiple z-stacks by using the stepper motor and piezo simultaneously. Users can control the focusing module via the included ThorImageLS software.
Full SDK for LabVIEW and C++ Available Upon Request
Compatible with ScanImage
Input and Output Triggers
Use Electrical Signals to Synchronize All Your Equipment
Input Triggers Can Start a Single Series or an Indefinite Series
Output Triggers Can be Sent at the Beginning of a Frame or Line
High-Bandwidth Signal Integration with Electrophysiology
Thorlabs Support
Fully Designed and Manufactured In-House
Engineers Work Under One Roof to Lower Your Costs and Create Seamless Solutions
Expertise in Every System Component
Professional Installation
Thorlabs Technician Visits Your Lab to Assemble, Test, and Demonstrate Use of Your Microscope
Quick Support
Thorlabs Technicians and Application Specialists Available for Videoconferencing
Communicate with Our Support Staff Faster than an Engineer Could Travel to Your Location
Thorlabs Will Ship You a Camera with a Microphone to Facilitate the Conversation
With Permission, Thorlabs Will Remote Desktop in to Address Software Issues
Thorlabs recognizes that each imaging application has unique requirements. If you have any feedback, questions, or need a quotation, please use our inverted microscope contact form or call (703) 651-1700.
Example Configurations
The Veneto™ Inverted Microscopy Platform is designed to enable application-specific configurations. We currently offer confocal and two-photon configurations; two example configurations are shown below. Both configurations additionally support widefield viewing. As shown in the images below the Features bullets, users can remove the side cover to access several independent optical pathways. DIY customization is possible via SM2 (2.035"-40) ports with 60 mm cage pattern holes or SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) ports if users want to build in their own custom imaging modalities.
Click to Enlarge Two-Photon + Widefield Configuration with the Side Cover Removed
The full source code for ThorImage®LS is available for owners of a Bergamo®, Cerna®, Veneto™ or confocal microscope. Click here to receive your copy.
ThorImage®LS Software
ThorImageLS is an open-source image acquisition program that controls Thorlabs' microscopes, as well as supplementary external hardware. From prepared-slice multiphoton Z-stacks to simultaneous in vivo photoactivation and imaging, ThorImageLS provides an integrated, modular workspace tailored to the individual needs of the scientist. Its workflow-oriented interface supports single image, Z-stacks, time series, and image streaming acquisition, visualization, and analysis. See the video to the lower right for a real-time view of data acquisition and analysis with ThorImageLS.
ThorImageLS is included with a Thorlabs microscope purchase and open source, allowing full customization of software features and performance. ThorImageLS also includes Thorlabs’ customer support and regular software updates to continually meet the imaging demands of the scientific community.
Image Acquisition Synced with Hardware Inputs and Timing Events
Live Image Correction and ROI Analysis
Independent Galvo-Galvo and Galvo-Resonant Scan Areas and Geometries
Tiling for High-Resolution Large-Area Imaging
Independent Primary and Secondary Z-Axis Control for Fast Deep-Tissue Scans
Automated Image Capture with Scripts
Compatible with ImageJ Macros
Multi-User Settings Saved for Shared Workstations
Individual Colors for Detection Channels Enable Simple Visual Analysis
Seamless Integration with Experiments
Simultaneous Multi-Point Photoactivation and Imaging with Spatial Light Modulator
Fast Z Volume Acquisition with PFM450E or Third-Party Objective Scanners
Electrophysiology Signaling
Wavelength Switching with Tiberius® Laser or Coherent Chameleon Lasers
Pockels Cell ROI Masking
Power Ramped with Depth to Minimize Damage and Maximize Signal-to-Noise
New Functionality: Version 4.0 - October 15, 2019 (Click to Expand for More Details)
Please contact ImagingTechSupport@thorlabs.com to obtain the latest ThorImageLS version compatible with your microscope. Because ThorImageLS 4.0 adds significant new features over 3.x, 2.x and 1.x versions, it may not be compatible with older microscopes. We continue to support older software versions for customers with older hardware. See the full web presentation for functionality of previous versions.
New Hardware Support
Added Support for Windows® 10 OS
Added Support for CS895MU and CS505MU Monochrome Cameras (Requires ThorCAM 3.2)
Allows for Hot Pixel Correction
Added Support for CSN210 Motorized Dual-Objective Nosepiece
Resonant-Galvo-Galvo Scanner, Galvo-Resonant Scanners, or Galvo-Galvo Scanners; Single or Dual Scan Paths
8 kHz Resonant-Galvo-Galvo or Galvo-Resonant Scan Speed
2 fps at 4096 x 4096 Pixels 30 fps at 512 x 512 Pixels 400 fps at 512 x 32 Pixels
12 kHz Resonant-Galvo-Galvo or Galvo-Resonant Scan Speed
4.4 fps at 2048 x 2048 Pixels 45 fps at 512 x 512 Pixels 600 fps at 512 x 32 Pixels
Galvo-Galvo Scan Speed
3 fps at 512 x 512 Pixels 48 fps at 512 x 32 Pixels 70 fps at 32 x 32 Pixels Pixel Dwell Time: 0.4 to 20 µs
Galvo-Galvo Scan Modes
Imaging: Line, Polyline, Square, or Rectangle Non-Imaging: Circle, Ellipse, Polygon, or Point
Field of View
20 mm Diagonal Square (Max) at the Intermediate Image Plane [12 mm Diagonal Square (Max) for 12 kHz Scanner]
Scan Zoom
1X to 16X (Continuously Variable)
Scan Resolution
Up to 2048 x 2048 Pixels (Bi-Directional) [Up to 1168 x 1168 Pixels for 12 kHz Scanners] Up to 4096 x 4096 Pixels (Unidirectional) [Up to 2336 x 2336 Pixels for 12 kHz Scanners]
Observation Tube
Trinoculars with 10X Eyepieces and Camera Port for 1X Camera Tube with External C-Mount Threads
The laser source is not offered separately from the Inverted System, but we have provided a laser source identification # here for convenience when discussing a system configuration with one of our representatives.
For sources with fewer than four lasers, slots will be filled from left to right.
Thorlabs recognizes that each imaging application has unique requirements. If you have any feedback, questions, or need a quotation, please use our inverted microscope contact form or call (703) 651-1700.
Thorlabs' sales engineers and field service staff are based out of eight offices across four continents. We look forward to helping you determine the best imaging system to meet your specific experimental needs. Our customers are attempting to solve biology's most important problems; these endeavors require matching systems that drive industry standards for ease of use, reliability, and raw capability.
Thorlabs' worldwide network allows us to operate demo rooms in a number of locations where you can see our systems in action. We welcome the opportunity to work with you in person or virtually. A demo can be scheduled at any of our showrooms or virtually by contacting ImagingSales@thorlabs.com.
Customer Support Sites (Click Each Location for More Details)