Precision piezo stage for microscope objective positioning
Posted to News on 31st May 2017, 11:40

Precision piezo stage for microscope objective positioning

Aerotech's QFOCUS QF-50 piezo nanopositioning stage is designed for high-performance microscope objective and optics positioning. It offers 400¼m closed loop and 450¼m open loop travel, high speed, 0.01 per cent linearity, sub-nanometer resolution, and 4nm bidirectional repeatability. The QF-50 accommodates optical instruments and next-generation laser micromachining applications. Due to a high-stiffness mechanical design, the QF-50 can outperform competitive piezo scanner offerings with larger, higher numerical aperture (NA) objectives. The QF-50 is suitable for optical positioning applications requiring high precision and throughput coupled with long travels.

Precision piezo stage for microscope objective positioning

The QFOCUS QF-50 is guided by precision flexures optimised using finite element analysis for outstanding stiffness and resonant frequency to enable high-process throughput and fast closed-loop response. Meticulous care was taken in the QF-50 flexure bearing design to ensure unrivalled geometric performance with straightness errors to 40nm throughout the entire travel range.

Optional closed-loop feedback using an exclusive capacitive sensor design allows for sub-nanometer resolution and high linearity. Unlike foil strain gages or piezoresistive sensors, capacitive sensors provide a direct measurement of the positioning carriage for superior accuracy and repeatability

When coupled with Aerotech's Q-series controllers and drives, the QF-50 demonstrates sub-nanometer positioning resolution and in-position stability (jitter) while maintaining high positioning bandwidth. Advanced software options, such as Dynamic Controls Toolbox and Motion Designer, provide a variety of highly-effective, easy-to-use tools including Iterative Learning Control, Harmonic Cancellation, and Command Shaping, providing improved tracking errors and faster step-and-settle times. OEM drive options are also available.

The QF-50 is available with threaded adapters to fit most microscopes and objectives. The microscope turret mounting allows fast and simple positioning at any desired orientation. In addition, tapped holes on the stage body provide alternative mounting for custom interfaces in machines or other optical instruments. The QF-50 is available with a clear aperture of 29mm as standard. Custom stage designs, travels, and threaded adapters are available.

Follow the link to see the PR0517A QFOCUS QF-50 data sheet and for further information.


Aerotech Ltd

The Old Brick Kiln
Ramsdell
RG26 5PR
UNITED KINGDOM

+44 (0)1256 855055

Bosch Rexroth SICK (UK) LTD Procter Machine Safety Mechan Controls Ltd Pilz Automation Ltd ABSSAC Ltd AutomateUK Micro Epsilon UK Limited PI (Physik Instrumente) Ltd Euchner (UK) Heidenhain (GB) Ltd Dold Industries Ltd AutomateUK Machinesafe Compliance Ltd Kawasaki Robotics (UK) Ltd Rittal Ltd Smartscan Ltd M Buttkereit Ltd STOBER Drives Ltd Phoenix Contact Ltd WEG (UK) Ltd FATH Components Ltd HARTING Ltd Servo Components & Systems Ltd Aerotech Ltd Murrelektronik Ltd Leuze electronic Ltd Spelsberg Els UK Ltd