PZ-2000 XYZ Series Automated Stage with Piezo Z-Axis Top Plate

The PZ-2000 XY stage has been designed to provide a high resolution, and highly repeatable, means of controlling the X-, Y-, and Z-position of the microscope stage. The X- and Y-axes derive their precise control through the use of closed-loop DC servo motors employing high-resolution rotary encoders for positioning feedback. 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 servo motors 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, Petri dishes, multi-well plates, etc. The slide insert is moved in the Z-axis via a piezo element with a range of 150 μm with nanometer accuracy (300 μm and 500 μm range is also available). By moving the sample along Z-axis, 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 X-, Y-, and Z-axes.