Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Nanoprecision Objective Z-Motors for Fast 3D Microscopy

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Abstract:
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., a leading manufacturer of nanopositioning and precision motion-control equipment for life science, photonics and semiconductor applications, offers a series of high-speed microscopy objective scanner systems for 3-D microscopy applications.

Nanoprecision Objective Z-Motors for Fast 3D Microscopy

Auburn, MA | Posted on January 31st, 2007

Complete Systems Contain Driver, Mechanics & all Adapters

The new PIFOC® piezo Z-drives systems are designed for easy integration into high-resolution microscopes. They are available as components or as complete systems including the piezo objective scanner, a controller and two distance cases.

Z-stack Image Acquisition: How it Works

The PIFOC® units are ideal for high speed Z-stack image acquisition, the basis for the generation of 3-D views of samples in high-resolution, optical microscopes. Conventional Z-drives use a motorized actuator and motor controller to create numerous focus planes during focusing. The individual "slices" are then processed with special software to form one 3-D image. PIFOC® systems are compatible with all major image acquisition packages.

Faster with Piezo

Piezo-actuated Z-drives, achieve significantly higher focusing speed (typically 10 msec vs. 100 msec) and resolution (typically 1 nm vs. 100 nm) than stepper motor-drives and thus provide higher-quality images in less time.

Scanning the Objective

The compact, light and stiff objective scanner design provides very fast response and does not disturb the sample which can be a problem with specimen scanners.

Application Examples

3D imaging, autofocusing, scanning and alignment tasks in microscopy, biotechnology, optics, semiconductor technology and photonic packaging.

Features & Advantages

- Available as Individual Components or Complete Systems

- Systems Include: Mechanics, Controller, Adapters, Distance Cases

- Choice of Travel Ranges: 100 µm or 400 µm
Choice of Controllers: Display Controller or Compact Controller

- Custom Tuning for Higher Speed (to 7 msec per Step)

- Compatible w/ all Major Image Acquisition Packages

- Capacitive Feedback as used in NIST Reference Class Nanometrology Systems

- UL and CSA Certified Controller

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About Physik Instrumente
When PI introduced piezoelectric nanopositioning technology more than 30 years ago, typical customers were research labs and universities working on laser cavity tuning, Fabry-Perot interferometers and filters. Few foresaw that whole industrial sectors like semiconductor manufacturing or biotechnology would become dependent on progress in nanopositioning. Today, not even the precision machining industry can do without nanometer-level positioning systems.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Stefan Vorndran
Dir. Corp. Product Marketing & Communications
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert St.
Auburn, MA 01501

Tel: 508-832-3456,
Fax: 508-832-0506

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