Physik Instrumente to Debut Ultra-Stable Microscope XY Stage Packages at Neuroscience 2016

Physik Instrumente (PI) will introduce two new compact XY microscope stages based on ultrasonic piezo direct-drive motors, at the upcoming Neuroscience 2016 conference in San Diego, CA. The new high-end system provides 10nm resolution and auto-locking with no drift, which results in extremely stable instruments.

The two models set to be unveiled are, Model U-761, which provides 25x25mm travel and is equipped with 10nm resolution linear encoders, and Model U-780, which provides 135x85mm travel.

Ultra-Stable - Ideal for Imaging

PI's patented ultrasonic direct-drive motors feature millisecond responsiveness and provide a wide dynamic range with jerk-free, smooth motion, with velocities from <1 micron/second to 120mm/second. A great advantage over other drive systems is the drift-free self-locking design that clamps the stage down once a target position has been reached. The stiff direct drive avoids servo jitter, which can occur with electromagnetic linear direct drive motors due to insufficient damping.

Accessories

A large aperture and many adapter plates allow for the use of microscope slides, well plates and petri dishes. An optional PInano Z stage or XYZ piezo flexure stage can be added for applications such as fast focus, single molecule tracking or optical trapping.

Controller, Software, and Joystick

A controller with extensive software support and a joystick are included in the package. Joystick mode and computer controlled mode can be switched with one button. The advanced digital servo controller (automatic switchover between static and dynamic PID parameters) is optimized for ultrasonic motors to achieve maximum dynamic performance with settling times as low as a few 10 milliseconds without sacrificing resolution and smooth operation. A comprehensive software package is included: drivers for LabVIEW, dynamic libraries for Windows and Linux, MATLAB, MetaMorph, µManager, Andor iQ. Interfaces include USB, SPI, RS-232 and analog.