MS-2000 XYZ Automated Stages
for Upright Microscopes

The MS-2000 XYZ stage has been specifically designed to provide a high resolution, and highly repeatable, means of controlling the X, Y, and Z position of the microscope stage. 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 700 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-2000 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.

ASI offers many stage inserts to hold samples, specimens, and special items, including slides, Petri dishes, flasks, multiwell microplates, heaters, perfusers, etc.

Upright Stages

The smaller MS-2000 shown in the above photos is a compact stage that fits very well on smaller upright microscopes such as Leica's DML-series, Nikon's Optiphot, E400, and E600, Olympus' BH-2, BX50, and BX51, and Zeiss' Universal and Axiolab. The smaller MS-2000 also works very well as stand-alone stage for XY positioning applications.

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 6"D x 9"W x 3"H
  • Microprocessor control with RS-232 serial and USB communications
  • Proven operation with many popular software packages
  • Suitable for stand-alone, OEM, and specialty applications

Specifications for Standard Configuration (with 6.35 mm pitch Lead Screws)

XY axis range of travel Upright:   100 mm x 100 mm
Inverted:   114 mm x 90 mm
XY axis resolution (encoder step) 22 nm
XY axis RMS repeatability < 700 nm (typical)
XY axis maximum velocity 7 mm/sec
Z axis resolution (encoder step) 50 nm
Z axis repeatability ± 100 nm (typical)
Z axis maximum velocity 0.6 mm/sec

Lead Screw Options

Lead Screw Pitch Options

Rotary Encoder Resolution

Maximum Speed
25.40 mm  (Ultra-coarse) 88 nm 28 mm/sec
12.70 mm  (Super-coarse) 44 nm 14 mm/sec
6.35 mm  (Standard) 22 nm 7 mm/sec
1.59 mm  (Fine) 5.5 nm 1.75 mm/sec
0.635 mm  (Extra-fine) 2.2 nm 0.7 mm/sec
    * Standard Lead Screw Accuracy is 0.25 µm per millimeter


Linear Encoder Options

Axis

Scale Resolution

Scale Accuracy
XY † 10 nm ± 3 µm per length of scale
Z   (12 mm and 25 mm stroke) 50 nm 0.03 µm per mm
    † With XY linear encoders, only one stage wing may be attached