The MS-4000 XYZ provides a high resolution and highly repeatable means of controlling the X, Y, and Z position of the microscope stage. The MS-4000 XY stage has been specifically designed for larger upright microscopes like the Leica DMR-series, the Nikon Eclipse 80i/800/1000, the Olympus AX70, and the Zeiss Axioplan and Axioskop 2.
All axes derive their precise control through the use of closed-loop DC servomotors employing high-resolution rotary encoders for positioning feedback. Optional linear encoders improve repeatability to less than 300 nm (typical) compared to the standard rotary encoder's 800 nm (typical) repeatability rating.
By using closed-loop control of the stage position, there is no chance that the stage will become lost, as can occur with open-loop micro-stepped stages after a number of moves and direction changes. The MS-4000 XY stage utilizes crossed-roller slides, a high-precision lead screw, and zero-backlash miniature geared DC servomotors for smooth and accurate motion. The Z-axis drive also uses ASI's proven line of closed-loop motor drives, each custom fitted to the microscope. The microprocessor-controlled MS-2000 control unit provides for RS-232 and USB communication with a host computer.
Features
- Closed-loop DC servo control of the X, Y, and Z axes for precise positioning and highly repeatable focusing
- Wide dynamic speed range with XY joystick control
- Utilizes ASI's proven Z-axis drives
- Z-axis clutch for easy switching between manual & motor-driven focus control
- Backlit LCD display shows X, Y, and Z coordinates
- "Zero" and "Home" button for simple stand-alone operations
- Compact ergonomic tabletop control unit size is 9 cm (H) x 23 cm (W) x 16½ cm (D) (3" x 9" x 6")
- Microprocessor control with RS-232 serial and USB communications
- Proven operation with many popular software packages
Specifications for Standard Configuration (with 6.35 mm pitch Lead Screws)
| XY axis range of travel |
100 mm x 100 mm |
| XY axis resolution (encoder step) |
0.088 µm |
| XY axis RMS repeatability |
< 0.8 µm (typical) |
| XY axis maximum velocity |
7 mm/sec |
| Z axis resolution (encoder step) |
0.05 µm |
| Z axis repeatability |
± 0.1 µm (typical) |
| Z axis maximum velocity |
0.6 mm/sec |
MS-4000 Options
- X and Y-axis Linear Encoders for high-accuracy positioning, incorporated into the stage plates
- Z-axis Linear Encoder for high-accuracy positioning and focus control
- Auto Focus for stages with ASI Z-axis drives (requires composite video signal)
- CRIFF Continuous Reflective-Interface Feedback Focus System for high level long-term focus stability on high-power XYZ microscopy systems
- Other lead screw pitches are available
Lead Screw Options
| Lead Screw Pitch Options |
Rotary Encoder Resolution |
Maximum Speed |
| 12.70 mm (Super-coarse) |
176 nm |
14 mm/sec |
| 6.35 mm (Standard) |
88 nm |
7 mm/sec |
| 1.57 mm (Fine) |
22 nm |
1.75 mm/sec |
| 0.318 mm (Ultra-fine) |
4.4 nm |
0.35 mm/sec |
- Standard Lead Screw Accuracy is 0.25 µm per mm.
Linear Encoder Options
| Axis |
Scale Resolution |
Scale Accuracy |
| XY |
20 nm |
0.5 µm per 10 mm
1.5 µm per 100 mm |
| Z (12 mm and 25 mm stroke) |
50 nm |
0.03 µm per mm |
Auto Focus option is also available for stages
with ASI Z-axis drives and requires a composite analog video signal (either NTSC or PAL).
