Microscope Stage / Motorized Stage (XY Stage)

Microscope stages, the platforms where specimens are mounted for viewing, can be operated manually or can be motorized. Motorized stages are available for both upright and inverted microscopes, and provide precise, automated control of samples, a critical parameter in high-performance image analysis techniques including DIC, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy; AFM; and TEM. Piezo stages provide nanometer-scale positioning.

What to consider when choosing a microscope stage?

The main goal when choosing a motorized stage is finding the sweet spot between resolution, repeatability, and speed for your particular application. Although it varies widely depending on the model, travel distances can range well beyond 380 × 380 mm. Drive mechanism options include stepper and servo motors, which offer varying degrees of automation, smoothness of motion, stability, and resolution. Closed-loop (vs open-loop) systems use an encoder to deal with backlash. Temperature control, important in life science experiments, is another useful addition.

Compare and request a quote for microscope stages from various manufacturers:

CompanyApplied Scientific InstrumentationApplied Scientific InstrumentationApplied Scientific InstrumentationApplied Scientific InstrumentationApplied Scientific Instrumentation
ItemPZU-2000 Series XYZ Automated Stage with Piezo Z-axis Top PlateIPZ-3000 Series Piezo Z-Axis Top Plate InsertLarge StagesMS-2500 XY Flat-Top Extended Travel StagePZ-2000FT Series XYZ Automated Stage with Piezo Z-axis Top Plate
Citations
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Catalog NumberPZU-2000IPZ-3000MS-6000 / MS-8000 / MS-10000 / MS-12000MS-2500PZ-2000FT
Price
TravelXY-axis: 120 x 110 mm, Z-axis: 150, 300 or 500 um (depending on Piezo Controller)Z-axis: 150, 300 or 500 um150 x 150 mm to 300 x 300 mm (depending on model)100 x 250 mmXY-axis: 120 x 75 mm, Z-axis: 150, 300 or 500 um (depending on Piezo Controller)
ResolutionXY-axis: 0.088 um, Z-axis: 2.2, 4.5 or 7.6 nmZ-axis: 2.2, 4.5 or 7.6 nmInquire22 nm (typical)XY-axis: 0.088 um, Z-axis: 2.2, 4.5 or 7.6 nm
Max. SpeedXY-axis: 7 mm/sec~10ms move timeInquire7 mm/secXY-axis: 7 mm/sec
Drive MechanismCrossed-roller Slides, High-precision Lead Screw and Zero-backlash DC ServomotorsPiezo-electric actuatorClosed-loop DC ServomotorsCrossed-roller Slides, High-precision Lead Screw and Zero-backlash DC ServomotorsHigh-precision Lead Screws and Zero-backlash DC Servomotors
Long Term StabilityInquireClosed-loop feedbackInquireInquireInquire
Max. Load1 or 2 kg (depending on Piezo Controller)1 or 2 kg (depending on Piezo Controller)Inquire10 kg1 or 2 kg (depending on Piezo Controller)
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