PI Introduces PIFOC Focus Scanner for Objectives and XY Stage with Piezo Drive for Inverted Microscopes

With the P-725.xCDE1S focus scanner and the U-781 PILine XY stage system, PI completes its range of positioning systems for fluorescence microscopy applications. The dynamic focus scanner is offered as a complete package including controller and allows travel ranges up to 400 µm. The U-781 XY stage system with controller and joystick is mechanically compatible with inverted microscopes of leading manufacturers and offers interfaces to common microscopy software tools such as µ-Manager, MatLab, LabView, Python, and Nikon NIS Elements—all at an attractive price/performance ratio.

The starting point for the development of the P-725.xCDE1S PIFOC scanner system for the fine positioning of microscope objectives was the increasing demand for a dynamic focus scanner with a competitive price/performance ratio. The scanner system is available as a complete package with controller in two versions: with travel ranges up to 100 µm and travel ranges up to 400 µm. The contactlessly measuring capacitive sensors achieve a resolution in the sub-nanometer range. This results in good motion linearity, high long-term stability, and a bandwidth in the kHz‑range. The zero-play flexure guides provide high guidance accuracy and are maintenance-free, friction-free, wear-free, and lubricant-free. Their stiffness makes them highly resilient and insensitive to shock loads and vibration. In addition to high-resolution microscopy, the PIFOC focus scanner is also used in semiconductor inspection, interferometry, and screening, as well as in many other areas.

The U-781 PILine XY stage, a further development of the U-780 microscope stage, takes full advantage of the proven ultrasonic motors. It is characterized by high dynamics, i.e., high velocity and short settling times, as well as high precision when moving to specified coordinates. Other key features include a slim design with compact dimensions, minimal vibration, and low heat generation.

A distinctive feature is the new “Dual Frequency” drive mode, which offers improved smoothness and noise reduction during motion. The “Adaptive Parameter” drive mode allows for the automatic adaptation of the drive parameters to the planned trajectory.

The stage is mechanically compatible with major models from leading microscope manufacturers like Nikon Eclipse Ti and Ti2, Leica DMI6000 and DM8, Olympus IX, IX2, and IX3, as well as Zeiss Axio Observer and can be mounted on any of these models. The U-781 unfolds its full potential when using the extensive range of accessories, which includes various sample holders (slides, Petri dish, microtiter plate) and scanning Z piezo stage inserts. 

Combined with a P-545 PInano XYZ sample stage, which is accurate to +/- 5 nm, the entire system is ideally suited for all super-resolution microscopy (SR) applications. These have been used for this purpose since the early days of SR microscopy development.

The range of applications for the U-781 XY stage system extends from widefield and confocal fluorescence microscopy to multi-photon and deep tissue fluorescence microscopy to fluorescence scanning applications and super-resolution microscopy. The U-781 is offered at an attractive price/performance ratio comparable to stepper motor based XY microscope stages.