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:
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| Company | Applied Scientific Instrumentation | Applied Scientific Instrumentation | Applied Scientific Instrumentation | Applied Scientific Instrumentation | Applied Scientific Instrumentation |
| Item | Linear Stages | IPZ-3000 Series Piezo Z-Axis Top Plate Insert | MS-2000 Flat Top XYZ Automated Stage | MS-2500 XY Flat-Top Extended Travel Stage | PZU-2000 Series XYZ Automated Stage with Piezo Z-axis Top Plate |
| Citations | | | | | |
| Catalog Number | LS-25 / LS-50 / LS-100 / LS-200 / LS-400 | IPZ-3000 | MS-2000 | MS-2500 | PZU-2000 |
| Price | | | | | |
| Travel | From 25 mm up to 400 mm | Z-axis: 150, 300 or 500 um | 120 x 75 mm | 100 x 250 mm | XY-axis: 120 x 110 mm, Z-axis: 150, 300 or 500 um (depending on Piezo Controller) |
| Resolution | 5.5 nm encoder resolution; submicron Repeatability | Z-axis: 2.2, 4.5 or 7.6 nm | XY-axis: 22 nm, Z-axis: 50 nm | 22 nm (typical) | XY-axis: 0.088 um, Z-axis: 2.2, 4.5 or 7.6 nm |
| Max. Speed | 25 mm/sec to 0.625 mm/sec based on leadscrew choice | ~10ms move time | XY-axis: 7 mm/sec, Z-axis: 1.6 mm/sec | 7 mm/sec | XY-axis: 7 mm/sec |
| Drive Mechanism | Crossed-roller Slides, High-precision Lead Screw and Zero-backlash DC Servomotors | Piezo-electric actuator | Crossed-roller Slides, High-precision Lead Screw and Zero-backlash DC Servomotors | Crossed-roller Slides, High-precision Lead Screw and Zero-backlash DC Servomotors | Crossed-roller Slides, High-precision Lead Screw and Zero-backlash DC Servomotors |
| Long Term Stability | Inquire | Closed-loop feedback | Inquire | Inquire | Inquire |
| Max. Load | 5 kg vertical , <10 kg horizontal | 1 or 2 kg (depending on Piezo Controller) | 5 kg | 10 kg | 1 or 2 kg (depending on Piezo Controller) |
| Get Quote | | | | | |