Press Release

ZEISS applies artificial intelligence to 3D X-ray microscope reconstruction technologies

Up to 10X higher throughput plus even better image quality with new deeprecon pro and phaseevolve modules from ZEISS

28 July 2021 · 2 min read
  • Software
Press Contact for ZEISS Microscopy

Vybhav Sinha

Jena, Germany | 28 July 2021 |  ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

Two new reconstruction technologies introduced today by ZEISS use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve data collection and analysis, and speed up decision-making significantly. Now available for the Advanced Reconstruction Toolkit (ART) on ZEISS Xradia 3D  X-ray platforms, ZEISS DeepRecon Pro and ZEISS PhaseEvolve modules increase throughput by up to 10x while producing better than ever image quality. They’re designed for research fields including geosciences, pharmaceuticals, electronics, battery and engineering materials as well as for semiconductor failure analysis.

ZEISS ART gives researchers continuous access to the latest technologies for reconstruction, providing flexible workflow strategies as their imaging needs evolve. The toolbox is based on advancing reconstruction technologies beyond the typical “filtered back projection” or Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithms. It enables acquisition and analysis with even fewer projections, reducing scan times by up to 10x, depending on the sample type and size, thus saving a considerable amount of time. These developments offer real benefits to professionals in academic R&D, high technology industry R&D, and industrial quality control & failure analysis laboratories as well as to university shared (core) facilities and mining/oil exploration (economic GEO) test labs.

ZEISS DeepRecon Pro

ZEISS offers DeepRecon AI-based technology in two forms: ZEISS DeepRecon Pro and ZEISS DeepRecon Custom. Both modules provide improved image quality at high speed. DeepRecon Pro is a reconstruction technology that provides up to 10x higher throughput along with image quality benefits across a diverse set of sample types. It is applicable to unique samples as well as to semi-repetitive and repetitive workflows. Users can now train new machine learning network models themselves, working on-site with an easy-to-use interface.

ZEISS DeepRecon Custom is targeted specifically at repetitive workflow applications. ZEISS collaborates closely with users to develop custom-created network models that fit their repetitive application needs precisely.

  • ZEISS DeepRecon Pro used for throughput improvement for Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) sample, achieving 10x throughput improvement without sacrificing image quality.

    ZEISS DeepRecon Pro used for throughput improvement for Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) sample, achieving 10x throughput improvement without sacrificing image quality. This allows for much higher temporal resolution for in situ studies.

ZEISS PhaseEvolve

ZEISS PhaseEvolve is a post-processing reconstruction algorithm that enhances the image contrast by revealing the material contrast uniquely inherent to X-ray microscopy, often overprinted by phase effects in low-medium density samples or in high-resolution imaging. This new module allows users to conduct more accurate quantitative analyses with improved contrast and segmentation of results.

  • Application of ZEISS PhaseEvolve to a pharmaceutical powder sample.

    Application of ZEISS PhaseEvolve to a pharmaceutical powder sample. High resolution or low kV imaging can result in inherent material contrast being obscured by phase contrast artifacts. ZEISS PhaseEvolve effectively removes phase fringes to enhance image contrast and improve segmentation results.

Dr. Markus Ohl, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University (The Netherlands) was one of the first users of ART. He says: “ZEISS DeepRecon Pro provides a straightforward, uncomplicated and powerful application of AI and deep neural network technology for enhancing X-ray tomography results without prior knowledge on deep learning technology.”

Both ZEISS DeepRecon Pro and ZEISS PhaseEvolve modules offer greatly improved image quality for many applications – typically 3D non-destructive sub-µm resolution imaging and 4D in situ studies. The traditional challenge of choosing between either image quality or sample throughput has been resolved with these new capabilities.

ZEISS ART with the optional DeepRecon and PhaseEvolve modules is available for immediate upgrade on existing ZEISS Xradia Versa and Context microscopes, enhancing the capability of installed systems as well as on new ZEISS Xradia X-ray microscopes.

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 6.3 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2020).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 12 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 34,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG (status: 31 March 2021).

Further information at www.zeiss.com

  

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is the world's only one-stop manufacturer of light, electron, X-ray and ion microscope systems and offers solutions for correlative microscopy. The portfolio comprises of products and services for life sciences, materials and industrial research, as well as education and clinical practice. The unit is headquartered in Jena. Additional production and development sites are located in Oberkochen and Munich, as well as in Cambourne (UK) and Dublin (USA). ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.

Press photo download

  • ZEISS PhaseEvolve

    Application of ZEISS PhaseEvolve to a pharmaceutical powder sample. High resolution or low kV imaging can result in inherent material contrast being obscured by phase contrast artifacts. ZEISS PhaseEvolve effectively removes phase fringes to enhance image contrast and improve segmentation results.

    Pages: 1
    File size: 1 MB
  • ZEISS DeepRecon Pro

    ZEISS DeepRecon Pro used for throughput improvement for Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) sample, achieving 10x throughput improvement without sacrificing image quality. This allows for much higher temporal resolution for in situ studies.

    Pages: 1
    File size: 1 MB
  • ZEISS DeepRecon Pro

    ZEISS DeepRecon Pro reconstruction technology enables 4x scan throughput improvement on a 2.5D interposer semiconductor package without sacrificing image quality.

    Pages: 1
    File size: 629 KB

Share this article