PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2014
Leica Microsystems Launches New User-Friendly Imaging and Analysis
Software Platform for Life Science Research
LAS X for Widefield, Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy
Wetzlar, Germany. Leica Microsystems launches the easy-to-use Leica Application Suite X (LAS X)
imaging software for life sciences spanning all widefield, confocal and super-resolution platforms. LAS X
introduces new features for microscopic image acquisition, processing and analysis while maintaining
established principles of its predecessor software LAS AF, such as the workflow-based approach. LAS
X guides researchers intuitively through image acquisition, data recording and evaluation in live cell
imaging, providing for a maximum of reproducibility as customized system settings can be saved. Its
basic version is called LAS X Core and provides numerous functions.
Further modules for specific applications such as high content screening, FRET, FRAP, multidimensional analysis, colocalization and measurements can be added. To further simplify widefield
system usage an Easy Operation Mode is available where users can design their own user interface
layout. The Dye Assistant for confocal microscopes helps select the right acquisition settings by just
entering the used fluorescent markers.
Product Manager Markus Schechter comments “In developing the new imaging software platform LAS
X, we have focused on the user-friendliness of the software. We have taken common workflows most
users know and follow into account and translated them into software and this way continued the
workflow-based approach of the predecessor LAS AF.” Product Manager Petra Haas adds: “Our
software is designed to facilitate the users’ research – experiments are broken down step by step so
that researchers can set up experiments more easily. That is the philosophy behind LAS X.”
The 3D and the 2D image analysis wizards generate reproducible analysis results from multidimensional data sets. Users are guided through the workflow step by step, from applying filters,
thresholding, binary image processing through measurements and classification. Analyses between
Anja Schué · T +49 6441 29 - 2201 · F +49 6441 29 - 2527 · Anja.Schue@leica-microsystems.com
Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17-37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com
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PRESS RELEASE
separate channels can be combined to obtain object-specific data. For example, a binary reference
mask can be applied to count the number of spots in each nucleus. Within the 2D Analysis wizard,
tracking experiments can be performed, and image analysis protocols can be combined with ImageJ
macros. To save time, repetitive analysis protocols can be stored and applied to several experiments.
Analysis results are saved with the experiment or can be exported to Excel for further investigation. The
LAS X measurement function measures as well as documents distances, areas, volumes, angles and
many other parameters.
Dedicated to live cell applications, the hardware-based Adaptive Focus Control (AFC) and the softwarebased autofocus are integrated in LAS X. Experimental conditions such as temperature, CO 2 and O2 are
documented and controlled with the Environmental Control module. For long-term time-lapse and
screening experiments, the software-controlled micro dispenser compensates evaporation of water
immersion. The MotCorr device can be used for software-controlled correction of image aberration. With
the Mobile Connection module users can connect to the acquisition station via web client or mobile
device and see the course of their whole experiment, review it, or open any image series available in
the experiment tree. Experiments can also be started, paused or stopped remotely.
The basic version LAS X Core comes with features such as microscope control, full image viewer
capability, diverse processing and quantification tools, movie export, the ability to recall imaging
parameters and many more.
To experience the full potential, all optional modules are available as a 30-day-free trial version. For
review purposes, there will also be a free-of-charge offline version of LAS X Core to download,
providing image processing opportunities independent from the microscope workstation.
Caption:
Leica Microsystems launches the new, user-friendly
imaging and analysis software platform for widefield,
confocal and super-resolution microscopy
Anja Schué · T +49 6441 29 - 2201 · F +49 6441 29 - 2527 · Anja.Schue@leica-microsystems.com
Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17-37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com
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PRESS RELEASE
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Leica Microsystems is a world leader in microscopes and scientific instruments. Founded as a family
business in the nineteenth century, the company’s history was marked by unparalleled innovation on its
way to becoming a global enterprise.
Its historically close cooperation with the scientific community is the key to Leica Microsystems’ tradition
of innovation, which draws on users’ ideas and creates solutions tailored to their requirements. At the
global level, Leica Microsystems is organized in three divisions, all of which are among the leaders in
their respective fields: the Life Science Division, Industry Division and Medical Division.
The company is represented in over 100 countries with 6 manufacturing facilities in 5 countries, sales
and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of dealers. The company is
headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.
Anja Schué · T +49 6441 29 - 2201 · F +49 6441 29 - 2527 · Anja.Schue@leica-microsystems.com
Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17-37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com
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