Intuitive Software for Desktop SEM
Easy-to-use software makes desktop SEM accessible to researchers at all skill levels.
The SNE-Alpha comes with comprehensive software that makes electron microscopy accessible to users of all experience levels. Whether you are new to SEM or an experienced microscopist, the intuitive interface adapts to your workflow—from simple automatic functions to advanced manual controls.
Core Features
Auto Functions
One-click auto-focus, auto-brightness, and auto-contrast get you imaging quickly. The software optimizes settings automatically so you can focus on your sample.
Live Navigation
Real-time sample navigation with intuitive stage control. Pan, zoom, and move to regions of interest with smooth, responsive controls.
High-Resolution Capture
Capture images up to 5120 × 3840 pixels with adjustable scan speed, frame averaging, and noise reduction for publication-quality results.
Measurement Tools
Built-in measurement capabilities for length, area, angle, and diameter. Automatic scale bars with customizable appearance.
Imaging Controls
Scan Speed and Quality
Choose from multiple scan speeds to balance image quality and acquisition time:
- Fast Scan: Quick preview for navigation and focusing
- Medium Scan: Balanced quality for routine imaging
- Slow Scan: High quality with reduced noise
- Photo Mode: Maximum quality with frame averaging for publication images
Detector Selection
Switch between detectors with a single click:
- SE (Secondary Electron): Surface topography and morphology
- BSE (Backscattered Electron): Compositional contrast
- Mixed Mode: Combine SE and BSE signals
Image Enhancement
- Brightness and Contrast: Real-time adjustment with histogram display
- Frame Averaging: Reduce noise by averaging multiple frames
- Line Integration: Improve signal-to-noise on each scan line
- Dynamic Focus: Maintain focus across tilted samples
Stage Control
Full 5-axis motorized stage control from the software interface:
- X/Y Navigation: 40mm × 40mm travel range with precision positioning
- Z Height: 40mm range for different sample heights
- Rotation: Full 360° rotation for orientation-dependent imaging
- Tilt: -45° to +90° for topographic views and EBSD
- Position Memory: Save and return to locations of interest
Measurement and Annotation
Comprehensive measurement tools for quantitative analysis:
Length Measurement
Measure distances between points. Multiple measurements can be displayed simultaneously with automatic statistics.
Area Measurement
Outline regions to calculate area. Supports freehand, polygon, rectangle, and circle selections.
Angle Measurement
Measure angles between lines or surfaces. Useful for crystallographic and geometric analysis.
Particle Sizing
Measure particle diameters with circle or ellipse fitting. Export measurements for statistical analysis.
Image Management
File Formats
Save images in multiple formats:
- TIFF: Lossless format with full metadata
- JPEG: Compressed format for sharing and presentations
- PNG: Lossless compression with transparency support
- BMP: Uncompressed bitmap format
Metadata
All images include embedded metadata:
- Accelerating voltage, magnification, and working distance
- Detector type and imaging mode
- Date, time, and operator information
- Scale bar calibration data
EDS Integration
Seamless control of the Bruker ESPRIT EDS software from within the SEM interface:
- Synchronized Imaging: EDS and SEM share the same coordinate system
- Point and Click Analysis: Select analysis points directly on the SEM image
- Integrated Maps: Overlay element maps on SEM images
- Automated Workflows: Set up acquisition sequences for consistent analysis
User Experience
Learning Curve
Designed for users of all experience levels:
- Beginners: Auto functions and guided workflows get new users imaging in minutes
- Intermediate: Easy access to common parameters for optimization
- Advanced: Full manual control for specialized applications
Customization
- Save custom presets for different sample types
- Configurable toolbars and shortcuts
- User profiles with individual preferences
- Automated batch processing for repetitive tasks
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Display: Minimum 1920 × 1080 resolution recommended
- Storage: SSD recommended for image acquisition
- Network: USB connection to SEM, optional network for remote support
Recommended Equipment
Related Technology
Resources
See the Software in Action
Schedule a demonstration to experience the intuitive interface firsthand.
Request a Demo