ZEN Correlative Array Tomography is a software module designed to facilitate large-scale 3D correlative microscopy by automating the acquisition, detection, alignment, and reconstruction of serial section images from both light and electron microscopes. Users prepare resin-embedded tissue samples, cut them into consecutive ultrathin sections, and image them using automated workflows. The software provides wizard-guided processes for section detection, region of interest selection, and optimal tiling setup, ensuring efficient and reproducible imaging across hundreds or thousands of sections. After acquisition, ZEN Correlative Array Tomography stitches and aligns the images, reconstructing them into 3D stacks and combining corresponding light and electron microscopy datasets into a single correlative volume. This approach improves z-resolution based on section thickness rather than optical constraints, enabling detailed investigation of sample ultrastructure. The platform is used in life sciences and materials science for applications such as cellular ultrastructure analysis, distribution studies, and high-resolution 3D visualization.

Key Features

Automated Serial Section Detection & Acquisition Automatically identifies and acquires images of hundreds or thousands of serial sections.

• Outlines and marks all sections in a ribbon for batch processing.
• Wizard-guided workflows for step-by-step imaging on light and electron microscopes.

Region of Interest (ROI) Management Efficiently selects and transfers ROIs across all sections.

• Sketches ROI in one section and automatically applies to others.

Image Stitching, Alignment, and 3D Reconstruction Combines images into high-resolution 3D stacks.

• Precise automatic alignment and stitching of section images.
• Reconstructs correlative 3D datasets from LM and EM images.

Correlative Volume Dataset Creation Integrates light and electron microscopy data for comprehensive analysis.

• Combines LM and EM datasets into a single correlative volume.
• Improved z-resolution based on section thickness.

Consistent User Interface & Workflow Wizards Provides a unified environment for both LM and EM imaging.

• Same interface and workflow guidance for both modalities.

Benefits

High-Throughput, Reproducible 3D Imaging Enables efficient, large-scale acquisition and reconstruction.

• Automates labor-intensive processes, saving time and reducing errors.
• Ensures reproducibility and consistency across datasets.

Comprehensive Structural Insights Combines multi-modal data for detailed sample analysis.

• Integrates LM and EM data for multi-scale, multi-modal investigation.
• Reveals fine ultrastructural details not accessible by optical methods alone.

Flexible Application Across Modalities Supports diverse research needs in life sciences and materials science.

• Compatible with various sample types and imaging modalities.