This module enables you to perform automated imaging of ultra-thin serial sections (ribbons) using the light- and scanning electron microscope. After calibration of the sample carrier and detection of the sections, regions of interest can be defined manually in a single section that will be automatically propagated to all sections. The selected regions of interest can then be imaged with different contrast methods and magnifications using the LM.

On the SEM, the regions of interest defined on the LM are then imaged automatically after loading the image from the LM. The corresponding 2D image sequences recorded by the LM and SEM are aligned into a 3D z-stack using the integrated alignment algorithm of the Correlative Array Tomography module and the Atlas Array Tomography module. The resulting 3D z-stacks can then be used for correlation.

For the correlative workflow, ZEN with the CAT module has to be installed on the widefield system, and the Atlas Software with the Array Tomography module has to be installed on the SEM. For a detailed how-to guide of the workflow, see CAT Workflow.

The software module can be used with ZEISS widefield microscopes. Besides the CAT tool the module offers four wizards. Detailed descriptions of the functions of the tools and wizards can be found in the linked sections.