Papilio5D revolutionizes deep tissue imaging in live samples

Bruker’s Papilio5D light-sheet microscope is built to give researchers high-quality imaging with exceptional depth penetration - even in dense samples like organoids or zebrafish larvae.

The system combines dual-view imaging with modular illumination beams, maximizing photon efficiency and improving image clarity. With dual-sided detection, it captures twice the photon signal compared to single-objective setups, offering a more complete 3D view of your samples.

Users can select between Gaussian or Bessel beam illumination, each with a beam width under one micrometer, depending on their application needs. The flexible sample mounting system supports complex experimental setups, including multiplexing and pharmacology studies.

Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

Only Papilio5D offers:

• Quick dual-view acquisition and fusion for high-resolution images
• Ideal light-sheet imaging of many samples under different experimental conditions at the same time
• Dual-sided detection and modular illumination beams for the highest photon collection efficiency

Papilio5D uses horizontal dual-view detection and a choice of Bessel or Gaussian illumination. This setup optimizes depth penetration and provides a large and evenly illuminated field of view with four different optical magnifications. Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

Customizable solutions for long-term imaging

Highest image quality

Papilio5D features a horizontal imaging geometry with dual-view detection and perpendicular light-sheet illumination, making it ideal for imaging even the most delicate samples with maximum photon efficiency.

High-NA water-dipping lenses create an ultra-thin light sheet for precise imaging, while both area and line detection modes allow users to tailor data acquisition to specific sample types. This setup delivers a high signal-to-noise ratio, excellent Z resolution, and strong depth penetration.

Papilio5D can also support Nyquist sampling, enabling high-fidelity image reconstruction and advanced deconvolution for clearer, more accurate results.

Comparison of area vs. line mode. Area mode images quickly and efficiently, while in line mode, the camera uses a rolling shutter and improves contrast in thick samples. Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

Simple and intuitive sample mounting

Gentle, flexible sample mounting is essential for running multi-sample and multi-condition experiments, and Papilio5D is built with that in mind.

Its spacious sample holder accommodates up to three dishes, each with two separate chambers, allowing researchers to test six experimental conditions simultaneously.

To support long-term imaging, from hours to days, the system includes full environmental control, maintaining sample health and stability. Users can regulate temperature (20–37 °C), gas concentrations (CO₂ and O₂), and humidity, ensuring optimal conditions for live samples throughout extended experiments.

Optimized beam patterns for different applications

With Papilio5D, scientists can tailor light-sheet imaging to suit their specific experimental needs.

A Gaussian beam is ideal for small, light-sensitive samples - such as those used in early mouse embryology - offering gentle illumination and high precision. For imaging more optically dense samples, the Bessel beam provides 360° multi-directional illumination, ensuring deeper penetration and more uniform coverage.

Researchers can also choose between two acquisition modes to match their imaging goals. In area mode, the camera captures the full field of view in a single shot, making it fast and efficient for many applications.

In line mode, the system uses the camera’s rolling shutter in a confocal slit-like configuration, synchronized with the scanned light-sheet. This setup rejects out-of-focus and scattered light, significantly improving contrast in thick or scattering samples - especially useful when working with complex structures like organoids.

Papilio5D specifications

Source: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

*Nyquist sampling