If you use an optical-sectioning method (for example LSM and Apotome), an automatic configuration of the z-stack is not available. Configure the z-stack manually with the Z-Stack tool and start the acquisition by clicking Start Experiment.

To change the area of the sample (z-direction in %) covered by the z-stack auto configuration, go to Tools > Options > Acquisition > Z-Stack. Smaller values enlarge the z-stack, higher values make the z-stack smaller.

  1. The camera's current field of view is always at a position on the sample that shows a signal in the selected channel.
  2. The current focus position is at the center of the sample.
  3. The exposure time of the camera is set to receive a good signal.
  1. On the Acquisition tab, in the Z-Stack tool, click Start Auto Configuration.
  2. A message is displayed.
  3. Confirm the system message by clicking OK.
  4. The automatic configuration starts. The auto-configuration can last for a few seconds up to half a minute, depending on the acquisition settings. You can check the status on the Progress bar in the Status bar.
  5. The automatic configuration sets the focus position for the first, last, and center slice of the z-stack, the number of slices, and the interval automatically.
  6. Click Start Experiment.
  1. You have successfully set up and started a z-stack experiment.