 |
|
|
|
PIFOC Objective Nano-Focus Stages, Nanopositioners
Highest Speed & Precision for Microscope Automation |
| Image Faster
|
|
|
|   | |
|
|
- PIFOC Nano-Focus Motors Provide Ultra-Fast and Precise Z-Steps with Patented Piezo Ceramic Drives:
Ideal for Super-Resolution Microscopy
- Typically 10 Times Faster and more accurate than Stepper Objective Stages
- 7 msec Step Time for Typical high-NA Immersion Objective
- Systems with Piezo-Mechanics, Controllers, Adapters
- Ideal for Super Resolution Microscopy
- Compatible with all Major Image Acquisition Packages
- Legendary PI Performance, Reliability & Robustness
- Capacitive Position Feedback as used in NIST Reference Class Nanometrology Systems
- Moving Objective does not Disturb Sample
- From the Inventor of Piezo-Stage Z-Scanners
- New Voice Coil Motor-Driven Objective Focus Control - Vertical Linear Slides
with 7mm (7000µm) Travel and Nanometer Resolution!
|
What is a Fast Focusing Stage and How Does it Work
A Fast Objective Focusing device is a piezo-driven or voice-coil-driven positioning stage for microscope lenses, enabling rapid, nanometer-precise focus adjustment. It mounts the microscope objective and moves it along the optical (Z) axis using a flexure-guided (or cross-roller guided) mechanism actuated by a piezo stack or voice coil motor. In the case of the piezo drive, the piezoelement expands proportionally to the applied voltage, enabling fast, smooth motion without backlash. Integrated position sensors (e.g., strain gauge or capacitive) provide closed-loop feedback for high accuracy and repeatability. PIFOCs deliver high bandwidth and sub-micron travel, making them ideal for autofocus, Z-stacking, confocal imaging, and live-cell microscopy requiring fast, precise axial positioning. The differences to a voice-coil-driven focusing stage are as follows:
A voice coil actuator is an electromagnetic drive based on the Lorentz force. A current-carrying coil is positioned within a permanent magnetic field. When current flows through the coil, a proportional force is generated, producing smooth, continuous linear motion without cogging, backlash, or mechanical contact.
Voice Coil vs Piezo-Driven Stages
Unlike piezo actuators, which rely on limited material expansion, voice coils are not constrained by piezo strain. This allows voice coil fast focus stages, such as the V-308, to provide millimeter-scale travel while maintaining high speed and acceleration over the full range.
More Travel but Larger
The longer travel and higher force capability require a larger magnetic circuit, including permanent magnets, a coil assembly, and a mechanical guidance system. As a result, voice coil stages are typically less compact than piezo objective positioners.
Mounting Considerations - Advantage Piezo
Because of their larger size and mechanical structure, voice coil fast focus stages generally do not mount directly on the microscope turret. Instead, they are typically integrated externally or below the sample, making them well suited for applications requiring a larger Z focusing range.
Summary
Piezo objective positioners are best suited for compact, nanometer-precision focusing over short travel ranges. Voice coil fast focus stages provide longer travel and high dynamic performance, but require more installation space and are not usually turret-mounted.
|
|
