Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Super Resolution Microscope Stages are More Stable with Capacitive Feedback

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Abstract:
PI (Physik Instrumente) LP has added two higher-performance models to its successful PInano™ superresolution (SR) microscope stage series.

Super Resolution Microscope Stages are More Stable with Capacitive Feedback

Auburn, MA | Posted on June 20th, 2011

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

The new models 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.

Datasheets & More Information:
www.nanopositioning.net/XYZ_nanopositioning_stage.php?#nano

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

Versatile High-Resolution Controller Included
A newly designed piezo controller is included and comes with three 24-bit digital interfaces (USB, TCP/IP, and RS-232) and a wide-band analog interface for compatibility with all control signals. With its 24-bit DAC converters, commanded resolution is improved by two orders of magnitude over the still widely used 16-bit converters.

Improved Linearity with Special Servo Circuit

For highly stable, closed-loop operation, capacitive sensors directly and precisely measure the displacement of the platform. This direct measurement provides better linearity and long term stability than is possible with piezoresistive sensors which rely on an inferred measurement principle. A proprietary servo circuit further improves the motion linearity compared to conventional controllers.

Keywords & Application Examples

Single Molecule Microscopy, 3D Imaging, Autofocusing, Bio-Nanotechnology, SR-Microscopy; Piezo-Stage, Super-Resolution Microscope Stage, Piezo stepper, Deconvolution Microscopy, Autofocusing, Scanning Microscope, Biotechnology

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About PI (Physik Instrumente)
I is a globally leading manufacturer of piezo stages, precision motion control equipment, nanopositioning systems, piezo motors and actuators for microscopy, photonics, bio-nanotechnology, medical engineering & semiconductor applications. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard & custom precision products with piezoceramic and electromagnetic drives for 4 decades. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high-quality solutions for OEM and research. PI is present worldwide with eight subsidiaries, R&D / engineering on 3 continents and total staff of 600+.
PI USA designs and manufactures piezo products at the company’s US headquarters in Auburn, MA.

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Stefan Vorndran
VP Marketing
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PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
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Auburn, MA 01501
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