DMi8 Inverted Microscope

An inverted microscope’s main distinguishing feature is the location of the optics. The optics are located below the stage. As a result, the sample is placed on top of the objectives. This means you will look at the sample from below it. Because the optics are underneath the sample, inverted microscopes offer ample working space to view samples of all shapes and sizes.

Inverted microscopes are designed with the objectives and turret positioned below the stage. In theory, the sample could be as high as the ceiling – there is no height limitation. However, the maximum weight of a sample is limited to 30 kg depending on the stage used. This is ten times larger than can be accommodated by an upright microscope: samples can only be up to 80 mm high and weigh up to 3 kg.

The main difference is that they are designed for tasks of different complexity.

The Leica DMi1 is conceived for quick cell checks. You can perform cell and tissue checks quickly and efficiently in Brightfield and Phase Contrast. 

The Leica DM IL enables you to perform more applications, for example involving fluorescence.

The Leica DMi8 is the fully modular high-tech instrument which can be equipped for almost every application.

Please contact your local Leica sales representative. We will arrange everything for you. 

The Infinity Port gives users direct access to the fluorescence light path. Flexibly add illumination sources, without compromising imaging quality. The concept is unique and currently only available with the Leica DMi8.

Yes, the Leica DMi8 is certified for IVD. Contact your local Leica Microsystems partner to find out more.

If required, the Leica DMi8 can be configured exclusively for digital imaging, often a great solution when working in a biohazard environment and when remote monitoring via the software is preferred.

Fully modular and flexible, the Leica DMi8 can be built exactly as you need. For advanced solutions, this is the platform of choice to integrate additional components such as photomanipulation devices, optogenetics, super-resolution, microspectroscopy, and many more. Homebuilt solutions can be attached via the Cage System 30 mm Infinity Port Connector.

Applications that require micromanipulation such as transgenics, in-vitro fertilization, and more can be performed using the Leica DMi8 and micromanipulation solutions from Leica Microsystems, Narishige, Eppendorf, and other suppliers.

Yes, the Leica DMi8 combined with the powerful LAS X software helps you design, set up, and perform screening experiments.

Yes. Choose options such as FURA objectives maximized for UV detection and a camera image splitter to simultaneously capture two fluorescent channels for ratiometric studies.

Yes, you can. The Infinity Port provides direct access to the fluorescent light path, so that the Leica DMi8 is ideally suited to TIRF and similar high-end imaging applications. Choose the Leica AM TIRF system for high-performance TIRF applications, or adapt the Leica DMi8 to your system.

The Leica DMi8 is a superb platform on which to build a super-resolution system. For a fully capable system, choose the Leica GSD 3D system, built upon a Leica DMi8. When you need a customized solution, rely on the Leica DMi8 as a stable and capable foundation to build up your own system.

Definitely, yes. You can choose from a host of options to aid in capturing events as quickly as possible, such as fast external filter wheels, Adaptive Focus Control (AFC), compatibility with high speed sCMOS and EMCCD cameras, and control with the powerful LAS X software. Capturing a high speed multi-color experiment becomes less of a challenge this way.

The Leica DMi8 is an optimal microscope for live cell research. Build your system with a wide range of options for live cell imaging – from incubation chambers to keep your cells in an optimum environment, to time-lapse experiments with high speed cameras controlled by dedicated modules in the LAS X software, just to name a few.

T-House is the name for the modular component of the Leica DMi8 that the Infinity Port connections and interface for fluorescence illumination. In addition, this component provides the carrier for the stage and transmitted light devices.

The Leica Application Suite X (LAS X) software is suitable for all applications with the Leica DMi8. The microscope software development kit, or SDK, can also be used to control the microscope via other software applications. For information about obtaining an SDK license, please visit our software page.

LID stands for Leica Radio Frequency Identification Device. All filter cubes for the Leica DMi8 are equipped with RFID technology, which can be used with the optional LID equipped fluorescence turret to automatically detect your filter cubes in the Leica Application Suite X (LAS X) software.

The Adaptive Focus Control (AFC) actively keeps the focus stable, even after changing environmental conditions. The systems utilizes an infrared LED to accurately measure the distance between the reflective surface at the image plane and the objective.

Choose this option when high resolution imaging is required. By directly measuring the focus position, the optional Closed Loop Focus drive ensures highly accurate and reproducible positioning over the entire 12 mm focus travel range. The Closed Loop Focus uses an internal integrated measurement scale at the focus drive of the microscope to achieve precisely referenced positioning of the focus point. With repeated iterative measurements, a precision / reproducibility of better than 20 nm is obtained with the Leica DMi8 Closed Loop for a given value. Using this system to determine the focus position ensures that both gear slippage and hysteresis effects from different focusing directions are reduced to a minimum. Further, this precise reproducibility is independent  of the focus step size, microscope optics or specimen used.

Yes, you can. The Leica DMi8 is designed to adapt to your applications, now and in the future. Changing or upgrading most components is possible.

You have full flexibility and great freedom to design the system that fits your research best. You can also upgrade the system any time your requirements change. Additionally, you can mix and match manual and motorized components to optimize the system to your budget. The modularity of the Leica DMi8 allows you to do all of this.

All contrast methods are available with the Leica DMi8: Brightfield (BF), Darkfield (DF), Differential Interference Contrast (DIC), Integrated Modulation Contrast (IMC), Polarization, Phase Contrast, Integrated Phase Contrast(IPH), and Fluorescenceare all available.

No, the fully modular design means you can choose a less expensive configuration without fluorescent light, and thus also without an Infinity Port. If you need fluorescence capabilities later on, you can add them at any time.

For routine fluorescence applications, attach either a manual or motorized fluorescence module, which include a liquid light guide connection and access to the field and aperture planes. For adding more advanced solutions, such as photomanipulation or DMD devices, several adapters for the infinity ports are available.