Prior Scientific NanoScan SP series nanopositioning Piezo sample scanners

The Nanoscan SP range of Piezo-driven stages from Prior Scientific delivers high positioning performance and fast recovery between Z stacks. The stages are compatible with many Prior motorised stages as well as many common microscopes when using appropriate adapter plates. The 400 and 600 µm closed loop versions have a slim height of 13.7 mm, providing good access for illumination of the sample area.

The nanopositioning stages are suitable for all types of confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, 3D imaging/data collection, laser- and image-based autofocus systems and high content screening applications. Accessory insert plates are available for a wide variety of samples, including well plates, slides and petri dishes, as is an extra-large sample holder area for well plates, dishes, multi slide holders, incubators and custom applications.

The stages are suitable for both high-speed Z stacking and high-speed constant velocity motion applications. They allow ultimate full digital control with pre-calibrated, user-selectable load and speed profiles for optimising performance. Step settle times of <10 ms are achievable and capacitive sensors enable repeatable positioning and resolution.

The product is tested to function for >10 million full range cycles. User-configurable settings can be optimised for different sample masses sizes and performance needs; the user simply selects the best setting for their application. Connectors with built-in stage calibration provide plug-and-play electronics that can be interchanged, minimising system downtime.

The powerful digital NPC-D-6110 controller drives the device faster and provides motion control algorithms with acceleration/deceleration control and active damping to reduce overshoot. A velocity control algorithm offers ultrasmooth ramps for applications such as focus stacking or focus bracketing. The controller allows 20 μs update rates and fast recovery time between Z stacks, providing enhanced time resolution. Selectable tuning presets optimise for step settle, objective mass and resolution.