PZU-2000 XYZ Automated Stage
with Piezo Z-axis Top Plate
for Upright Microscopes

The PZU-2000 has been specifically designed to provide a high resolution, and highly repeatable, means of controlling the X, Y, and Z position of an upright microscope's stage. The XY 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 for 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 XY stage utilizes crossed-roller slides, high-precision lead screws, and zero-backlash miniature geared DC servomotors for smooth and accurate motion. The top plate of the stage accepts standard K-size slide inserts that are available for any sample, i.e., slides, petrie dishes, multi-well plates, etc. The slide insert is moved in the Z-axis via a piezo element with a range of 100 µm with nanometer accuracy. By moving the sample in the Z-plane, any objective can be used, eliminating twisting wires or needed spacers as required when a piezo element is put onto a single objective. The microprocessor-controlled MS-2000 control unit provides for RS-232 and USB communication with a host computer for control of the XYZ axis.

The longer travel PZU-2175 model incorporates 175 micron piezo elements in the Z plate for nearly twice the vertical Z-axis travel as a regular PZU-2000. All other specifications and dimensions remain the same.

For information on piezo-Z stages for inverted microscopes, click here.

Features

• Closed-loop control of the X, Y, and Z-axes for precise positioning and highly repeatable focusing
• Wide dynamic speed range with adjustable trapezoidal move profiles
• Smooth adjustable dual-range joystick 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 6"D x 9"W x 3"H (9 x 23 x 16½ cm)
• Proven operation with many popular software packages

Previously, available standard piezo elements had to be mounted to a single microscope objective to obtain nanometer-scale movement in the Z-plane. In contrast, the PZU-2000 moves the entire specimen in the Z-plane. This offers several important advantages:

• By moving the entire sample in the Z-plane, any objective can be used instead of only the single objective with mounted piezo.
• The PZU-2000 eliminates the twisting of wires that create failures within objective-mounted piezo systems.
• No spacers are required on any objectives with the PZU-2000. Spacers are required with objective-mounted piezo systems, however, this added distance interferes with proper DIC operation. The PZU-2000 allows unhindered DIC operation on all supported microscopes.
• The PZU-2000's 100 micron (and the PZU-2175's 175 micron) limited travel range of the piezo element can be compensated by adding ASI's focus controller to the fine focus shaft of the microscope. This precision closed-loop DC servo motor drive can position the sample anywhere within the microscope's range of focus. From there the piezo element of the PZU-2000 can be used for ultra-fast nanometer positioning.
• The PZU-2000 offers all of the advantages of a piezo focusing system with none of the drawbacks.

Specifications for Standard Configuration

NANO-DRIVE^TM Piezo Controller Specifications

PZU-2000 Options

• XY axes Linear Encoders for high-accuracy positioning. Linear encoder resolution is 20 nm, with a scale accuracy of 0.5 µm per 10mm and 1.5 µm per 100mm. Positioning resolution at sample is about 50 nm. Linear encoders improve repeatability to less than 300 nm (typical).
• The CRIFF Continuous Reflective-Interface Feedback Focus System, a laser feedback device for maintaining sub-micron focus. It provides a very high level of focus stability, substantially eliminating focus drift caused by temperature variations as well as mechanical drifts of the microscope mechanisms.



• Auto Focus Option (requires an NTSC or PAL composite video signal).
• ASI's proven line of Z-axis drives can also be added to the fine focus shaft of the microscope to provide Z-axis positioning with a resolution of 50 nm throughout the range of the microscope's travel. The piezo unit can then be used for fast and accurate Z-axis positioning to any point within the range of travel.
• Other lead screw pitches are available for faster XY translation, or for more precise positioning when using standard rotary encoders.

If you do not require automated XY movement, yet you want automated Z-axis positioning for acquiring precise Z-axis stacks, then the PZMU-2000 is the solution. On select models of microscopes, ASI can add the PZMU-2000 to the top of your existing OEM stage. Contact ASI with information about your current setup and see if we can provide you with nanometer-scale Z-axis positioning.