Practical Experimental Intelligence for Laser Scanning Microscopy

One of the major problems facing users of advanced laser scanning microscopes is the amount and complexity of the image acquisition and microscope controls available. Even in integrated microscope control and imaging applications, learning to control the microscope, drive external accessories, manage the digital acquisition process, manipulate the resulting images and store the results can be a substantial barrier to beginners and advanced users alike.

The answer, according to Carl Zeiss, is ZEN 2007, an integrated suite of digital imaging software that reduces the complexity of the interface to the minimum without diminishing the range and scope of the functions available. ZEN does this by switching between Basic and Professional mode in response to user input and, therefore, allows users to focus their full attention on the specimen.

The ZEN user interface is clearly structured and flexible, allowing it to be individually tailored to each experiment and user. Organised into three zones that follow the typical workflow of experiments, image acquisition and microscope control tools are on the left, the central worktable for image viewing takes up the majority of the screen and file management tools sit on the right. The left toolbar automatically adapts to each user’s personal requirements and can be decoupled and freely positioned on the screen if required.