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Capacitive Sensor Technology Improves Super Resolution Microscope Scanning Stages

Date Announced: 20 Jun 2011

A new sensor technology replaces inferred (indirect strain) measurements with direct gap measurement greatly improving the precision and stability of piezo stages used in super-resolution microscopy.


Higher Stability and Reduced Noise with Capacitive Sensors,
Lower Cost Piezoresistive Models Still Available

PI's new nanopositioning stages for high resolution microscopy are equipped with direct-measuring capacitive sensors. This type of sensor can provide higher linearity and long term stability than the lower cost piezoresistive sensor-equipped stages which are still available. Capacitive sensors are also less sensitive to noise due to a high-frequency measurement principle as opposed to the DC-based sensing technique used in piezoresistive sensors. The net effect is similar to the higher quality and lower noise on FM radio channels compared to AM radio.

Bottom Mount Slide Allows Full Turret Rotation, Protects Objectives

The large aperture accommodates microscopy accessories such as slide holders, Petri dish holders, etc. The recessed bottom slide mount allows full rotation of the turret without in and out Z-motion, protecting valuable objectives from crashing into the stage on turret rotation.

XY and XYZ Models, 200µm Travel / Axis

Both XY and XYZ stages are available. The low profile design of 20 mm (0.8”) facilitates the integration into inverted microscopes from the four major manufacturers Leica, Nikon, Olympus and Zeiss.

Optional Long-Travel Motorized Microscope Stage

An optional 25x25 mm positioning stage with self-clamping ultrasonic ceramic motors serves as a stable basis for the piezo scanning stage and allows imaging of large samples.

Image Acquisition Software

The microscope stages are compatible with all major image acquisition software packages such as Micromanager™, Metamorph™, etc.

Features & Advantages
 Sensor Choice: High Stability Capacitive or Lower Cost Piezoresistive Sensors
 24 Bit Controller with USB, Ethernet, RS-232 Interface and Analog Control
 200 µm XY or XYZ Travel, Closed-Loop Control for Sub-Nanometer Precision
 Bottom Slide Mount for Full Turret Rotation facilitates Integration
 Many Options: Slide Holders & Petri dish Holders; Motor XY Stage, Manual Stage
 Longer Lifetime due to Ceramic Encapsulated Piezo Drives
 Software Support for Leading Image Acquisition Packages

Datasheets & More Information:

Contact

USA / Canada: www.pi-usa.us
East: David Rego
Tel: (508) 832-3456
Fax: (508) 832-0506
Email: info@pi-usa.us
Midwest Joe McGonagle
(815) 793-3776
Email: info@pi-usa.us

West David Steinberg
Tel: (949) 679-9191
Fax: (949) 679-9292
Email: info@pi-usa.us


Europe: www.pi.ws
Germany: +49 (721) 4846-0
Italy: +39 (02) 665 011 01
France: +33 (1) 5714 0710
UK: +44 (1582) 711 650

Asia: www.pi-japan.jp
Japan: +81 (6) 6304 5605
China +86 (21) 687 900 08

E-mail: info@pi-usa.us

Web Site: www.nanopositioning.net/XYZ_nanopositioning_stage.php?#nano

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