Mountains® 11.1 introduces cutting-edge AI-powered particle segmentation for profilometry and microscopy, detecting round and irregular particles with precision, even under challenging imaging conditions.
From SEM to optical microscopy to topographic analysis, this smart tool reduces manual work and boosts productivity. And that’s only the start: version 11.1 also brings a whole host of other powerful new features to give your analysis that extra boost.
Cross-technology enhancements
Version 11.1 introduces several updates benefiting all users, regardless of instrument type. The new Free orbit camera mode allows full 3D rotation of surfaces for greater visualization freedom, complemented by an orthographic projection option for distortion-free top views. Automatic color adjustment for study elements ensures optimal contrast, while “quick close without saving” simplifies the manipulation of multiple open documents.
Particle analysis tools have also been expanded, with new parameters such as Min Feret and Perpendicular Feret diameters improving standardization between laboratories and clickable particle labels to make navigation easier. A new input-selection interface makes loading multiple studiables more intuitive.
Above. Bringing AI-based particle segmentation to SEM, optical microscopy & profilometry analysis.
Profilometry: more precision and performance
For users working with topographic data, Mountains® 11.1 introduces an AI-based particle segmentation method capable of detecting both round and irregular particles, outperforming traditional methods in challenging cases.
Enhancements to the Extract Local Contour and Remove Outliers operators offer greater robustness and control, while the ability to preserve profile length in circular form removal ensures more consistent results.
Point Cloud and Shell operators also benefit from faster meshing, more accurate pre-alignment, and a redesigned interface for easier control of settings – valuable improvements for users handling large 3D datasets.
SEM and light microscopy: AI segmentation is here!
Reflecting the expanding role of AI in microscopy, version 11.1 introduces advanced segmentation tools for both SEM and optical images, representing a major step forward in automated image analysis. The new AI-driven method delivers accurate detection of both round and irregular particles, even in images affected by uneven lighting, contrast variations or overlapping features. By significantly reducing the need for manual threshold adjustment and cleanup, it helps users save valuable time.
In SEM-BSE analysis, a redesigned segmentation interface further streamlines the workflow. Users can now manage and exclude classes more intuitively, while color mapping on the histogram provides immediate visual feedback linking classes to intensity ranges.
Together, these advances bring a new level of precision and efficiency to particle analysis in electron and optical microscopy.
Spectroscopy: enhanced navigation and peak analysis
Users working with spectroscopy data will find a smoother and faster experience throughout. A synchronized cursor in Grid view enables linked exploration across studies, while a spectral axis cursor is now available in all spectral study types. The update introduces Single Harmonic Oscillator (SHO) modeling and Quality Factor calculation for nanospectral applications such as AFM-IR or nanoIR.
Usability also sees major improvements, including optimized spectrum scaling, consistent keyboard shortcuts for scrolling and slice navigation and a faster cinema mode for hyperspectral image browsing.
Above. Synchronized cursor in Grid view.
Analysis boosted
In conclusion, by expanding AI-driven segmentation to multiple instrument families and refining everyday analysis tools, Mountains® 11.1 continues to strengthen Digital Surf’s cross-platform vision. The result is a unified, flexible software environment that helps researchers and engineers extract more insight from their surface and image data faster and with greater confidence.
Learn more and update
Check this page for full details of the v11.1 release (available Nov 18, 2025).
Access to the new version is included for users with an active Mountains® Software Maintenance Plan. To find out more about your Maintenance options, please contact sales@digitalsurf.com