Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Fast Microscope Automation Piezo-Z-Stage for 3D-Imaging

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P-737 PIFOC® High-Speed Z Stage for 3-D microscopy (shown with a 96-well plate and compact controller) speeds up Z-stack image acquisition.

Abstract:
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. -- the inventor of high-speed Piezo-Z objective steppers--introduces the new P-737 PIFOC® Piezo-Z Stage, the highest performance nanopositioning Z control system on the market.

Fast Microscope Automation Piezo-Z-Stage for 3D-Imaging

Auburn, MA | Posted on November 6th, 2007

The P-737 specimen Z-stage is a new member in a large family of products for microscope automation. Specifically designed for biotech research microscopes utilizing deconvolution and 3D imaging techniques, the P-737 PIFOC® specimen Z-stage features up to 250 µm travel, millisecond responsiveness and nanometer precise motion under closed-loop control.

Keywords

Piezo-Z stepper, deconvolution microscopy, 3D imaging, autofocusing, scanning microscopy, biotechnology.

More Information and Datasheet:

http://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/news/fullnews.php?newsid=132&NR

Piezo Z-Stages and Objective Steppers

The P-737 PIFOC stage is an addition to the extremely successful PIFOC® brand of high-speed piezo objective Z-steppers. While no sample stage can beat the speed of the fastest PIFOC® objective positioners (due to the stiffer, more compact design), the P-737 PIFOC® stage allows for millisecond sample settling enabling convenient Z-stack imaging with multiple objectives and very high throughput.

Piezo Z-Stages vs. Conventional Stepper Focus Drives

The fast response of the P-737 fully utilizes the high throughput of the latest digital imaging systems and achieves 10 to 50 times faster response than conventional stepper motor focus drives.

The P-737 PIFOC® stage is available with a number of analog and highly sophisticated digital piezo controllers and can be controlled through digital interfaces as well as by fast analog signals through a high-speed 0-10V input. The system is fully compatible with all leading imaging acquisition packages. For ease of integration, a comprehensive set of LabView™ drivers is included, even for the analog control option.

Application Examples

3D imaging, Z-stack acquisition, autofocusing, scanning and alignment tasks in microscopy, biotechnology.

Features & Advantages

- Choice of Travel Ranges: 100 µm or 250 µm
Choice of Controllers: Digital, Analog w/ Display or Compact Controller

- Custom Tuning for Highest Speed (few Milliseconds per Step)

- Compatible w/ all Major Image Acquisition Packages

- Closed-Loop for Nanometer Precise Motion Control

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About PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
PI, a global, ISO 9001 certified leading manufacturer of nanopositioning and precision motion-control equipment for, biotechnology, life science, nanotechnology, nanoscale manufacturing, photonics and semiconductor applications, has been developing and manufacturing standard, custom and OEM products with piezo and motor drives for 35+ years. PI is present worldwide with eight subsidiaries and total staff of 450+.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Stefan Vorndran
Dir. Corp. Product Marketing & Communications
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PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert St.
Auburn, MA 01501
email:
Tel: 508-832-3456,
Fax: 508-832-0506
http://www.pi.ws
http://www.pi-usa.us