Quantum mechanics

Scale (ratio)

Biomedical engineering

Materials science

Chromatography

Microscope

Clearance

Microscopy

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy

Urology

Telecommunications

Computer science

Physics

Nanotechnology

Optics

Medicine

Chemistry

Sample (material)

Wireless

Throughput

Scanning confocal electron microscopy

Nature Methods

Light-sheet microscopy has emerged as the preferred means for high-throughput volumetric imaging of cleared tissues. However, there is a need for a flexible system that can address imaging applications with varied requirements in terms of resolution, sample size, tissue-clearing protocol, and transparent sample-holder material. Here, we present a 'hybrid' system that combines a unique non-orthogonal dual-objective and conventional (orthogonal) open-top light-sheet (OTLS) architecture for versatile multi-scale volumetric imaging. We demonstrate efficient screening and targeted sub-micrometer imaging of sparse axons within an intact, cleared mouse brain. The same system enables high-throughput automated imaging of multiple specimens, as spotlighted by a quantitative multi-scale analysis of brain metastases. Compared with existing academic and commercial light-sheet microscopy systems, our hybrid OTLS system provides a unique combination of versatility and performance necessary to satisfy the diverse requirements of a growing number of cleared-tissue imaging applications.

A hybrid open-top light-sheet microscope for versatile multi-scale imaging of cleared tissues