5X Improvement in Z-Motion Range is Big Step Forward for World of Microscopy – N-725 Z-Axis Piezo Positioner by PI
Auburn, MA (PRWEB) July 19, 2013 -- Piezo positioners provide sub-nanometer resolution and fast response. Until now, travel ranges have been limited to a few 100 microns, enough for most microscopy applications. A new drive principle developed by PI (Physik Instrumente) now extends the travel range to 2 mm while maintaining very short settling times on the order of 20 milliseconds.
High resolution microscopy methods, such as two-photon microscopy, make it possible to record 3D stacks with up to 1 mm depth in biological samples. Here conventional piezo techniques have posed a limitation. PI’s N-725 piezo-motor objective positioner and scanner breaks with conventional wisdom and helps exploit the new possibilities.
Based on a patented piezo-walk motor, the N-725 provides travel ranges of up to 2 mm along the optical axis to quickly and precisely change the focal plane. Despite its small size, the new device replaces and combines the performance of two individual stages: a fine focus piezo drive and a stepper motor positioner for coarse, long travel motion.
The challenge was to implement the high-stiffness piezo motor in a compact mechanical housing no larger than PI’s previous piezo-direct-actuator based PIFOC® objective stages providing travel ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 mm.
The new long-travel piezo motor provides 5 to 20 times the travel range, sub-nanometer resolution and locks into a position, without further need for power, significantly improving long term stability.
Complete with Controller and Software:
The piezo-z-focus drive comes complete with a powerful motion controller and software. It is compatible with leading microscope imaging suite software packages.
More information is available here: http://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/products/prdetail.php?sortnr=1100210&onl_prw
About PI
The PI group provides the broadest and deepest portfolio of precision motion technologies, from micropositioning to sub-nanometer precision positioning equipment for markets as diverse as semiconductor manufacturing, bio-technology, photonics, aerospace and medical engineering. PI has 4 decades of experience with the design and manufacture of precision positioning systems based on piezoceramic and electromagnetic drives. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high-quality solutions for OEM and research. PI is present worldwide with 10 subsidiaries, R&D / engineering on 3 continents and total staff of 750+.
Piezo Applications, PI (Physik Instrumente) LP, http://www.pi-usa.us/index.php?onl_prweb, 508-832-3456, [email protected]
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