Nanometre precision

Accurate Z-scaling in 3D volume data demands precise, repeatable stepping in the Z-direction. Our ultra-fast motor-driven sample stage delivers 1 nm stepping resolution through a closed-loop feedback mechanism.

katana microtome

Your SEM.
Now a volume SEM.

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56 mm
height
1.8 kg
weight

Universal compatibility

Engineered to only 56 mm (2.2") in height, katana is compatible with nearly all SEMs. It seamlessly attaches or detaches from an SEM stage, effortlessly switching your standard SEM to a high-throughput volume imaging system and back, maximising your instrument's potential.

Ultrasonic cutting

Reducing cutting forces to improve thin cutting performance by oscillating the diamond at ultrasonic speed. The FEA-optimised diamond knife oscillates at amplitudes up to 200 nm, preserving your specimen’s integrity.

Large volume

With 5 mm of knife travel, 1.3 mm of Z-stage range, and a 1.5 mm-wide diamond knife, katana can section samples as large as 1 mm³ in a single experiment.

Up to
200 nm
Amplitude
0–100 kHz
Tunable frequency
Up to
1 mm³
sample volume
5 mm
knife travel

As thin as 25 nanometres

Squid skin, acquired with katana. Sections this thin are achieved through the microtome's exceptional stability, delivering remarkably consistent cuts, section after section.

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See katana in action

Samurai 3

Acquisition software for volume SEM.

The software that drives every katana experiment — from multi-ROI acquisition through to data processing.

Explore Samurai 3Try Live Demo

Experience Samurai 3 in your browser — no installation required

Applications

Flatworm Macrostomum Lignano

M. lignano is a transparent, regenerative flatworm used as a model organism in stem cell biology and aging research. The katana microtome captures its full 3D architecture at nanometre resolution — revealing cilia, rhabdites, internal vesicles, and the intricate stem cell network that drives its remarkable regeneration.

Data acquired by katana

More SBF-SEM data on WEBKNOSSOS

Rat Retina

Imaged on JEOL IT700. Sample courtesy of Dr Isabelle Bonne, National University of Singapore.

Mouse Brain

Imaged on Zeiss Sigma VP. Sample courtesy of Dr Christel Genoud, University of Lausanne.

Flatworm

Imaged on a TESCAN Clara. Sample courtesy of Dr Peter Ladurner, University of Innsbruck.

Squid Skin

Imaged on a Zeiss Sigma VP. Sample courtesy of Alan Kuzirian, Marine Biology Laboratory.

Lamprey Spinal Cord

Imaged on a Zeiss Sigma VP. Sample courtesy of Alan Kuzirian, Marine Biology Laboratory.

Mouse Small Intestine

Imaged on a Hitachi SU7000. Sample courtesy of Dr Ilya Belevich, University of Helsinki.

Mouse Skin

Serial block-face volume of mouse skin, acquired with the katana microtome.

Cerebellum

Registered and masked cerebellum volume, acquired with the katana microtome.

Specifications

Every figure the microtome is built around.

cutting performance

25 nm

minimum section thickness

1 nm

Z stage resolution, closed-loop

200 nm

knife oscillation amplitude

100 kHz

tunable oscillation frequency

1 mm³

sample volume in one run

5 mm

knife travel

56 mm

height under the pole piece

1.8 kg

installed mass

microtome

  • 011 nm Z stage resolution at closed-loop
  • 021.3 mm Z travel range
  • 031.5 mm or 2.5 mm wide Diatome diamond blade at 45°
  • 04Knife oscillation amplitude up to 200 nm
  • 05Tunable knife oscillation frequency up to 100 kHz
  • 06Minimum working distance 3 mm from sample to detector
  • 07Dimensions: 135 × 66 × 56 (H) mm

compatibility

  • 01Any SEM that can fit 56 mm under the pole piece
  • 02Automation with all SEM software
  • 03Full API control and integration with Zeiss, Thermo Fisher, Tescan, Hitachi, JEOL, and CIQTEK SEMs
  • 04Open interface with other imaging modalities to create correlative workflows

software

  • 01Samurai 3 acquisition software: fully automated image–cut–image cycles with multi-ROI scheduling
  • 02Autofocus, auto-stigmation, and debris detection for stable, unattended long runs
  • 03Real-time monitoring with time-travel review and a scripting interface for custom workflows
  • 04Samurai 3 Studio: volume data processing — registration, alignment, volumetric visualisation, and trainable AI segmentation

approach camera

  • 0140 fps 2.3 MP CMOS industrial camera with USB 3.0 connection
  • 02Tracking mechanism to ensure knife edge always centred and focused

accessories

  • 01SEM flange and stage adapter
  • 0250× aluminium sample pins
  • 03Cabin-size travel suitcase

optional

  • 01Spare diamond knife holders
  • 02Touchscreen laptop
  • 03Sample height measurement tool
  • 04Extended warranty

Add the volume.

Mount katana on the stage you already use. Cut at nanometre thickness. Acquire in Samurai 3. Serial block-face imaging — without another microscope.

Talk to usExplore Samurai 3