Fast Focus Control
Objective Nanofocusing Stages and Piezo Z-Scanners
Fast piezo and voice-coil objective positioners for microscope focus control, Z-stack acquisition, autofocus, 3D imaging, and high-speed nanofocusing applications.
Voice Coil Stages and Piezo Collar Objective Scanners
PI provides a broad range of objective nanofocusing stages based on piezo motors, piezo flexure drives, and voice coil motors. These fast Z positioning systems provide precise focus control for imaging, Z-stack acquisition, deconvolution microscopy, 3D imaging, autofocus, and high-speed focusing applications.
Piezo-actuated Z scanners typically achieve much higher focusing speed and precision than classical motorized focus drives. For longer travel, voice-coil systems such as the V-308 combine millimeter-range motion with nanometer resolution.
PIFOC® controllers provide high-bandwidth analog interfaces for fast response and compatibility with major image acquisition packages.
Typical Advantages
- Fast focus response
- Nanometer Z resolution
- Direct position feedback options
- Compact objective mounting
- Compatibility with imaging software
Fast Piezo Focus Packages
Lower-cost PIFOC® packages combine common travel ranges and objective diameters with compact digital control and software. They can also integrate with Focus Trac™ laser autofocus systems.
Video: Fast Objective Nanofocusing Stages
Fast objective positioners with piezo and voice coil drives enable high-speed focusing for microscopy, life science imaging, laser applications, and semiconductor inspection.
Objective Nanofocusing Stage Examples
| Image | Model | Description | Travel | Sensor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Travel Voice-Coil Objective Focus Scanner | ||||
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V-308 | 7 mm high-dynamic voice coil Z-stage with nanometer resolution for fast nano-focusing in microscopy, laser processing, and semiconductor applications. | 7 mm | Optical scale |
| Standard Objective Positioners and Well-Plate Stages | ||||
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P-725 Package w/Controller | Economical package w/ controller: PIFOC Z objective piezo nanofocusing stage with fast, accurate motion, QuickLock mounting, and direct metrology. | 100 /400 µm | Capacitive |
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P-725.XDD | PIFOC Z nanopositioning and scanning system for microscope objectives. Direct metrology position sensor. | 20 µm | Capacitive / SGS |
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P-737 | PIFOC Z-axis microscopy piezo focusing stage for high-resolution sample positioning and scanning. | 100, 250, 500 µm | SGS |
| High-End / High-Speed Piezo-Focusing Objective Z-Positioners | ||||
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P-726 | PIFOC high-dynamic piezo focusing Z scanner for heavy microscope objectives. Direct metrology position sensor. | 100 µm | Capacitive |
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N-725 | Long-travel lens positioner with PiezoWalk motor drive. 2 mm travel makes it useful for applications such as two-photon microscopy. Direct metrology position sensor. | 2000 µm | Incremental |
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P-725 | Next-generation piezo Z objective focusing system for autofocus. Fast, compact, lightweight, available with long travel ranges and direct position feedback. | 100, 400, 800 µm | Capacitive |
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P-725 KHDS | High-dynamics 400 µm objective piezo nanofocusing system with extra-stiff design for large objectives, fast step-and-settle, QuickLock mounting, and direct capacitive direct metrology position sensor. | 400 µm | Capacitive |
| Custom Z-Stages | ||||
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P-915K | Custom microscope nosepiece nanopositioner with compact design and sub-nanometer resolution. | 80 µm | - |
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P-721K | Power-PIFOC® microscope turret piezo nanopositioner with high load capacity and capacitive feedback. | 150 µm | - |
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P-915K | Low-profile piezo objective scanner for high scanning frequencies. | 75 µm | - |
