Alpha3 vs Alpha3 Facility Edition

Alpha3 and Alpha3 Facility Edition are two configurations of the same advanced light-sheet imaging platform. Both combine patented dual multi-directional light-sheet illumination with an upright optical microscope and support three-dimensional fluorescence imaging across a broad range of specimen types and scales.

Alpha3 provides a flexible, researcher-controlled configuration for dedicated imaging workflows. Alpha3 Facility Edition adds greater sample capacity, expanded objective support and increased motorization for shared facilities, multi-user environments and more diverse experimental requirements.

Two Configurations for Different Imaging Workflows

Alpha3

Alpha3 Facility Edition

A flexible light-sheet imaging system for dedicated research workflows, with interchangeable objectives and direct control over key optical components.

A more integrated configuration with increased sample capacity, motorized optical adjustments and expanded acquisition options for shared imaging facilities.

Which Alpha3 Configuration Is Right for You?

Both configurations provide the same core light-sheet imaging approach. The choice depends primarily on sample capacity, required objective range, level of motorization and the way the system will be used.

Choose Alpha3 if you need:

A flexible system for dedicated research workflows
Direct control over key optical components
Interchangeable illumination objectives
Optional modules for specialized acquisition workflows
A configuration adapted to a defined range of samples and experiments

Choose Alpha3 Facility Edition if you need:

A system designed for shared imaging facilities
Support for larger or multiple specimens
Motorized objective selection and illumination adjustment
Integrated options for extended acquisition workflows
Greater flexibility across users, samples and experimental protocols

Alpha3 and Alpha3 Facility Edition Comparison

The table below summarizes the principal differences between the two configurations. Available components and specifications may be adapted to the intended samples and imaging workflow.

Feature	Alpha3	Alpha3 Facility Edition
Light-Sheet System
Illumination objective	Single-port interchangeable illumination objective. Available objectives: 2X, 4X and 10X LWD.	Motorized illumination-objective turret accommodating up to four objectives: 2X, 5X, 10X and 20X.
Minimum light-sheet thickness	2X: 8 µm 4X: 6 µm 10X: 2 µm	2X: 8 µm 5X: 6 µm 10X: 1.5 µm 20X: 1 µm, optional
Illumination-arm XYZ adjustment	Manual	Motorized
Laser combiner	4 or 6 laser sources	6 laser sources
Laser wavelengths	405-785 nm, 50 or 100 mW	405-785 nm, 50 or 100 mW
Acquisition modules XY tiling, XY sampling, focus sweeping and dynamic focus	Optional	Integrated
Sample Chamber and Mounting Accessories
Chamber	Standard: 15 ml, 90 × 70 × 25 mm Large: 60 ml, 30 × 90 × 33 mm	250 ml, 50 × 140 × 40 mm Volume reduction available for smaller samples.
Sample travel range	15 W × 15 D × 15 H mm Height depends on the working distance of the detection objective.	25 W × 25 D × 15 H mm Height depends on the working distance of the detection objective.
Mounting accessories	Glass support and clamps for large or multiple specimens Mold support for small and/or live specimens	Glass support and clamps for large specimens Mold support for small and/or live specimens Extended support for multiple specimens
Motorized Z-axis sample holder	Included	Included
Motorized XY-axis sample holder	Optional	Included
Incubation controller Temperature, humidity and CO₂	Optional	Optional
Detection Unit
Upright fluorescence microscope	BX43 with eyepieces and video port	BX43 with eyepieces and video port
Detection-objective holder	Manual slider for up to 2 objectives	Motorized turret for up to 6 objectives
Motorized emission-filter wheel	Up to six 25 mm emission filters	Up to six 25 mm emission filters
Camera options	sCMOS, 2048 × 2048 pixels, 13 × 13 mm sensor format, 6.5 µm square pixels sCMOS, 2304 × 2304 pixels, 15 × 15 mm sensor format, 6.5 µm square pixels	sCMOS, 2048 × 2048 pixels, 13 × 13 mm sensor format, 6.5 µm square pixels sCMOS, 2304 × 2304 pixels, 15 × 15 mm sensor format, 6.5 µm square pixels
Detection Objectives
Objective compatibility	2X to 60X; air, water and clearing objectives; long-working-distance and high-NA objectives	2X to 60X; air, water and clearing objectives; long-working-distance and high-NA objectives
Optional 2X magnification changer	Manual	Motorized
Clearing objectives	Clearing objectives with manual correction collar from 1.33 to 1.56	Clearing objectives with manual correction collar from 1.33 to 1.56 Objective-protection system with Teflon holders and cover glass Drop-protection system
Software
QTSPIM interface	Control of XYZCST acquisition parameters	Control of XYZCST acquisition parameters
LINDA interface Interactive 3D display, stack navigation and scan-volume setup	Light version	Full version

Specifications and available configurations may vary. Please contact PhaseView for configuration details.

Selecting an Alpha3 Configuration

Alpha3 is the more compact and manually configurable option, with optional extensions for specialized imaging workflows. It is suitable for laboratories that require a flexible system with direct control over the imaging setup.

Alpha3 Facility Edition provides greater sample capacity, expanded objective support and increased motorization. It is intended for shared imaging facilities, multi-user environments and laboratories working with varied specimens and acquisition protocols.

The appropriate configuration depends on specimen dimensions, objective requirements, imaging scale, experimental workflow and the expected level of automation.

Not Sure Which Configuration Is Right for You?

Tell us about your samples, imaging requirements and research workflow. We will be happy to help you identify the most suitable Alpha3 configuration.