Leica Stellaris 5 inverse (USZ) - 1: Start-up

Switch ON the "Power", "Laser", and turn the "Emission" key to "On-1" (control unit next to the microscope).

The LED (for fluorescence observation via the oculars) switches on automatically. No action needed.

Switch ON the PC.

Sign-in with your ZMB core credentials.

Start the "LAS X" software.

Make sure "machine.xlhw" is selected as "Configuration", and "DMI8" as "Microscope".

Click "OK".

Click "Yes" in order to initialize the x/y stage. Please make sure nothing is placed currently on the stage.

x/y stage initialization is necessary to be able to use the "LAS X Navigator".

Lower the objective by keeping the "LOWER Z" button pressed on the right side of the microscope.

This is a mandatory step as it avoids possible collision of the stage and objective during exchange of inserts and/or samples.

In the "Acquire" tab you can now toggle between objectives (drop-down menu).

Select the 5x dry objective for easy sample navigation and focusing.

In order to facilitate the focusing it is recommended to start with a low magnification dry objective.

Make sure that the stage insert is correctly inserted and flat.

Here correct and flat.

Here not inserted correctly (stage not flat and shaky).

Push the condenser arm of the microscope back.

Insert your sample with the coverslip facing down .

Adjust the variable clamping range and moveable brackets to properly fix your sample.

Move your sample under the objective with the help of the external controller "Smart Move".

Movement in y-direction.

Movement in x-direction.

Toggle between coarse movement "XY Fast" and slow movement "XY Precise".

Bring back condenser arm to its straight position.

On the touch screen at the microscope stand choose the light path tab.

Click "FLUO" and choose an appropriate "FLUO-Filtercube" : e.g. "DAPI".

Open the "IL -Shutter" (if activated the dot is yellow).

Look through the oculars and focus your sample by using:

The z-wheel on the external controller ("Smart Move").

Moving objectives upwards (towards sample) turn z-wheels clockwise/away from you. Moving objectives downwards (away from sample) turn z-wheels counter-clockwise/towards you.

Toggle between "Z FINE" and "Z COARSE" directly on the "Smart Move".

If you cannot see any signal, make sure that the light path is directed to the eye pieces.

The storage of the focal plane is helpful in order to find the focus back if the sample or objective will be changed.

To save your current focus position select the "xyz tab" and the "Focusdrive Z" on the touchscreen of the microscope.

Click the "Upper Focus Limit" button.

Press "Set".

If done successfully you will see an upper marker line appearing.

Press the "Lower Limit" button in order to move down (for safe change of the objective or the sample).

Lower the objectives, remove your sample and toggle within the software to the objective of choice.

Depending on the objective different immersion media will be used. Apply directly on the sample.

Oil objectives: "Type-F" immersion liquid.

"Glycerin" objectives: "Type-G" immersion liquid.

"Water" objectives: ddH2O (always use fresh).

Mount your sample again and press the "Upper Focus Limit" button.

Remember, you can move (back and forth) the condenser arm for ease of access.

Focus your sample as described previously.

For optimal imaging performance on some objectives the correction collar has to be adjusted.

20x IMM (multi-immersion - Oil, Glycerin or Water) needs to be set by moving the black dot to the corresponding immersion media ("OIL", "GLYC" or "0.17-W" (with cover glass) or "W-0" (without cover glass)).

Make sure that the cap of the spring-loaded front lens is released (working position). (Please note: Displayed objective just an example, not exactly same as installed on system) .

Please, DO NOT remove the objectives for adjustment. They can be also accessed on the system.