Introduction To Zen - Efficient Navigation - Zeiss LSM 5 MP Quick Manual

Introduction to ZEN – Efficient Navigation
ZEN - Efficient Navigation - is the new software for the LSM 5 Family from Carl Zeiss. With the launch
of this software in 2007 Carl Zeiss sets new standards in application-friendly software for Laser Scanning
Microscopy.
The ZEN Interface is clearly structured and follows the typical workflow of the experiments performed
with confocal microscopy systems:
On the Left Tool Area (Fig. 4/D) the user finds the tools for image acquisition, image processing and
system maintenance, easily accessible via 3 Main Tabs (Fig. 5/1). All functions needed to control the
microscope and to acquire images are bundled in the Acquisition Tools (Fig. 5/3 and 4). Arranged from
top to bottom they follow the logic of the experimental workflow. The area for viewing and interacting
with images is centered in the middle of the Main Application Window: the Center Screen Area.
Each displayed image can be displayed and/or analyzed with many view options available through "view
tabs" which can be found on the left side of the image. According to the chosen view tab, the required
view controls appear in View Control Blocks below each image. File management and data handling tools
are found in the Right Tool Area (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).
Color and brightness of the interface have been carefully adjusted to the typical light conditions of the
imaging laboratory, guaranteeing optimal display contrast and minimal stray light for high-sensitivity
detection experiments. The ZEN software is optimized for a 30" TFT monitor but can also be used with
dual-20" TFT setups.
Fig. 6 Basic and Pro Mode
A focus in the development of ZEN was to fulfill the needs of both basic users and microscopy specialists.
Both types of users will appreciate the set of intuitive tools designed to make the use of a confocal
microscope from Carl Zeiss easy and fast:
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