Lambert Instruments LIFA vTAU SPAD-powered FLIM system for live cell imaging

The Lambert Instruments LIFA vTAU is a camera-based system for fast fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), especially suitable for live cell applications. The system is a fast and easy way to perform FLIM and offers a turnkey solution for the user’s specific application. It also features vTAU, the versatile SPAD camera, which allows for near-instantaneous acquisition of lifetime images at high frame rates.

The product works with any brand of fluorescence microscope to form a fully integrated FLIM system for a complete solution from sample to data. It is available in widefield fluorescence, spinning-disk confocal, light sheet microscopy, hyperspectral imaging and TIRF configurations. Applications include live cell imaging, high throughput screening, bacterial research, molecular interactions, protein–protein interactions, membrane dynamics and interactions, and much more.

Compatible with any fluorescence microscope with a camera output — including microscopes by Leica, Nikon, Olympus, TILL and Zeiss — the system is quick and easy to set up, with all hardware integrated seamlessly with the dedicated LIFA software. The advanced software instantly analyses data and presents the calculated fluorescence lifetimes visually. Recorded images are compatible with ImageJ, FIJI, Matlab and MetaMorph, while detailed statistical data can be exported to an Excel worksheet.

The sensitive SPAD detector can record up to 100 lifetime images per second, including regular frequency-domain FLIM acquisition and time-lapse recordings. Frame rates of up to 300 fps and 512 x 512-pixel resolution images are achievable with a pixel size of 16 μm.

The systems components include the vTAU camera, light source/s, LIFA software, computer with USB connection, installation, training and support.