WHITE PLAINS, NY, Apr 24, 2025 – ZEISS has introduced ZEN core, a unified software suite designed to operate all ZEISS scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), including focused ion beam scanning electron microscopes (FIB-SEMs). The platform provides a consistent interface for controlling microscopes and organizing data, supporting simple workflow management across systems.
ZEN stands for “ZEISS Efficient Navigation” and lets microscopists obtain meaningful information. Users across fields including materials research, natural resources, electronics, and life sciences – in both industry and academia can perform the microscopy workflows they need in their laboratories. The software streamlines image acquisition, analysis, and data management.
ZEISS ZEN core supports control of SEMs and FIB-SEMs. Both non-experts and experienced professionals’ benefit from the integration of SEM imaging and EDS analytics, along with improvements in AI-based workflows. FIB-SEM users can increase throughput by using automated TEM lamella preparation.
ZEN core enables workflows by integrating ZEISS light microscopes and SEMs. Users can operate their instruments and conduct multi-modal experiments through a single, user-friendly graphical interface (GUI).
More efficiency with Navigation Workspace
ZEN core offers a central navigation workspace for intuitive operation.
The workspace guides user workflows. Users access essential electron microscopy (EM) control settings through the navigation tools. They can view the sample holder and all samples. They can also collect data in an image gallery while simultaneously controlling the live image.
More flexibility with customizable workbenches
Users can create task-specific workbenches that display the controls needed for routine workflows. The workbenches guide operators through a set sequence of tasks. This function supports consistent data handling, especially in multi-user settings and for inexperienced users.
A software suite for connected microscopy
ZEISS ZEN core enhances laboratory productivity by providing a solution that connects data from different microscopes. This connection delivers insights from correlative, multi-scale, and multi-modal experiments.
With robust database features, ZEISS ZEN core helps users keep their data organized across instruments, labs, and locations. This supports efficient data management and retrieval.
“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.”
Streamlined and simplified SEM workflows
Whether users are conducting routine image acquisition or advanced analysis, ZEISS ZEN core optimizes technical performance with a configurable interface that grants access to all parameters and functions.
The software suite is available for the ZEISS EVO, Sigma, GeminiSEM, and Crossbeam families.
Source: ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions
About ZEISS
ZEISS, founded in 1846 in Jena and now headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany, is a global leader in optics and optoelectronics. The company develops and manufactures cutting-edge solutions across semiconductor manufacturing, industrial metrology, microscopy, medical technology, and consumer optics. Its products serve industries including life sciences, materials research, ophthalmology, and chip production, with globally recognized offerings such as lithography optics, eyeglass lenses, and camera lenses. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, ZEISS generated approximately €11 billion in revenue and employed around 47,000 people in nearly 50 countries. The company maintains over 60 sales and service sites, 40 R&D centers, and 35 production facilities worldwide. ZEISS aligns its portfolio with emerging growth areas like digitalization, smart manufacturing, and healthcare, while investing 15% of its annual revenue into research and development to sustain innovation and market leadership. The company is wholly owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of Germany’s largest science-promoting foundations.
About ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions
ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions (RMS), a division of the ZEISS Group, is a global leader in advanced microscopy technologies. Headquartered in Jena, Germany, RMS offers a broad range of light, electron, X-ray, and ion microscope systems, along with AI-enhanced software solutions. Its technologies support various industries, including life sciences, materials research, nanotechnology, industrial quality assurance, education, and clinical diagnostics. RMS operates production and development facilities in Germany, the UK, the USA, and China. ZEISS, founded in 1846, has maintained a long-standing leadership in optical innovation. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, the ZEISS Group reported revenue of €11 billion, with the Industrial Quality & Research segment, which includes RMS, contributing €2.5 billion. The company employs over 47,000 people worldwide, with around 2,000 dedicated to RMS. As part of its ongoing innovation efforts, ZEISS invests 15% of its revenue into research and development, supporting its commitment to technology leadership.