Physik Instrumente Microscope Automation

Objective Scanners

Physik Instrumente makes a variety of objective scanners in closed loop models that provide position feedback. BioVision Technologies offers models using Physik Instrumente’s proprietary Direct-Metrology Capacitive Sensors.

These sensors measure the actual motion of the moving part relative to the stationary base (direct metrology). Errors in the drive train, actuator, lever arm or in the guiding system do not influence the measurements. The result is exceptional motion linearity, higher long-term stability and a stiffer, more responsive servo loop, because external influences are immediately recognized by the sensor. These give capacitive position sensors freedom from hysteresis.

A Physik Instrumente Controller is required; BioVision Technologies offers the controller models E‐625 or E‐665.

P‐721 PIFOC® Objective Scanner

The P‐721 is a high-speed, piezo-driven microscope objective nanofocusing/scanning device. It provides a range of travel of 100 µm, sub‐nanometer resolution and a very high linearity of motion.

P‐725 PIFOC Long‐Travel Objective Scanner

P‐725 PIFOC nanofocus systems are long‐travel, high‐speed, piezo‐driven microscope objective nanofocusing/scanning devices. Despite the increased travel ranges (up to 400 μm), they are 20% shorter than P‐721 units while providing sub‐nanometer resolution. The innovative, frictionless, flexure guiding system provides enhanced precision for superior focus stability with fast response for rapid settling and scanning.

BioVision Technologies offers P‐725 models in a range of travel and resolution.

P‐726 PIFOC High-Load Objective Scanner

The P-726 PIFOC Nanofocusing system was developed to achieve the fastest possible stepping time with the heavy, high‐numerical‐aperture objectives used in many of today's high‐resolution microscopy applications. Its extremely stiff design offers excellent settling time and scanning frequency values even when objectives of several hundred grams are moved. High stiffness is achieved with the rotationally symmetric arrangement of multiple piezo drives and the optimized design of the flexure and lever elements, which assure the excellent guiding accuracy and dynamics.

Piezo Drivers/Controllers

E‐665 Piezo Amplifier/Servo-Controller

The E‐665 is a bench‐top piezo linear amplifier and position servo‐controller with integrated high‐speed 20‐bit computer interface and a high‐bandwidth analog interface. It integrates a low‐noise piezo amplifier which can output and sink peak currents of 360 mA for low‐voltage piezoelectric actuators (−20 to 120 V).

BioVision Technologies offers servo‐controller models for position sensing with a capacitive sensor. The E‐665.C0 accepts an analog signal of 0‒10 V as the control input. The E‐665.CR accepts commands via RS‐232C serial connection or via an analog signal.

E‐625 Piezo Amplifier/Servo-Controller

The single‐channel E‐625 piezo controller is equipped with precision 20-bit D/A and A/D converters for exceptional positional stability and resolution. It integrates a low‐noise integrated piezo amplifier which can output and sink peak currents of 120 mA for low‐voltage piezoelectric actuators (−20 to 120 V).

BioVision Technologies offers servo‐controller models for position sensing with a capacitive sensor. The E‐625.C0 accepts an analog signal of 0‒10 V as the control input. The E‐625.CR accepts commands via RS‐232C serial connection or via an analog signal.