ZEN core Now Compatible with All ZEISS Scanning Electron Microscopes
ZEISS has officially released its versatile and efficient software platform, ZEN core, across its full range of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), including focused ion beam scanning electron microscopes (FIB-SEMs).
Short for "ZEISS Efficient Navigation," ZEN is tailored to help microscopists extract deeper insights from their observations. Professionals and researchers from industries such as materials science, geology, electronics, and biology – both in academic and commercial sectors – can now use this advanced software to streamline the entire microscopy process, from imaging and analysis to data handling.
The latest version of ZEISS ZEN core offers fundamental control features for both SEMs and FIB-SEMs. It supports users of all experience levels through its integration of SEM imaging with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and AI-enhanced workflows. FIB-SEM users benefit from features like automated transmission electron microscopy (TEM) lamella preparation, which significantly improves throughput and reliability.
ZEN core promotes a unified workflow experience by integrating ZEISS light and electron microscopes. Through one intuitive and user-friendly graphical interface, users can perform complex, multi-modal experiments with ease.
Enhanced Productivity with Navigation Workspace
At the heart of the ZEN core experience is the Navigation Workspace – a central hub for streamlined navigation and control.
This workspace allows users to intuitively manage their tasks. With top-level navigation tools, they can access key electron microscopy parameters, visualize the full sample holder and individual samples, and capture data in an organized image gallery – all while managing a live image feed.
Customized Interfaces Through Task-Specific Workbenches
ZEN core offers users the ability to create customizable workbenches tailored to specific tasks. These simplified layouts show only essential controls, helping guide users – especially in shared lab environments – through consistent workflows. This supports repeatable results and data quality, even for users with limited SEM experience.
A Connected Microscopy Ecosystem
By enabling data sharing and workflow integration across different types of microscopes, ZEN core supports advanced correlative microscopy. It links findings from various imaging scales and modalities, providing deeper analytical insight.
Robust database integration ensures that data remains accessible and well-organized across multiple devices, labs, and locations, contributing to improved lab efficiency and collaboration.
"ZEN core is an innovative software platform with a clear and intuitive operating concept and sophisticated functions for correlative microscopy, suitable for all types of imaging systems as it can process data from different microscope modalities," says Tim Schubert, imaging specialist at the Materials Research Institute at Aalen University, Germany. "This software integrates the entire ZEISS imaging portfolio into a single cohesive solution and marks a significant step forward for efficiency and flexibility in connected microscopy environments." - Tim Schubert, imaging specialist at the Materials Research Institute at Aalen University, Germany
Simplified SEM Workflow Management
From basic image capture to complex analysis, ZEN core helps users maximize the performance of their SEM systems. Its intuitive, configurable interface provides seamless access to all functions and parameters.
ZEN core is now available across ZEISS SEM product lines, including the EVO, Sigma, GeminiSEM, and Crossbeam series.
About ZEISS
ZEISS is a global leader in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In its last fiscal year, the ZEISS Group reported revenues of approximately 11 billion euros, spanning four core segments: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (as of September 30, 2024).
The company delivers cutting-edge solutions in industrial metrology, life sciences microscopy, medical diagnostics, and ophthalmology. ZEISS is also the top provider of lithography optics for semiconductor fabrication. Its consumer products include high-end eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.
With a forward-looking portfolio focused on digital transformation, healthcare, and Smart Production, ZEISS continues to invest significantly in innovation – allocating 15% of its revenue to R&D. This long-standing commitment drives the company’s leadership in technology and future growth.
With over 46,000 employees worldwide, ZEISS operates in around 50 countries, maintaining over 60 sales and service offices, 40 R&D sites, and 35 production facilities (as of September 30, 2024). Founded in Jena in 1846, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation – one of Germany’s largest science-promotion foundations – is the sole owner of Carl Zeiss AG.
Learn more at www.zeiss.com