SmarAct TotalAlign – Multimodal Imaging Platform

Imaging techniques used in biological or medical research, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and multimodal applications including PET/CT and PET/MRI, are based on different physical principles to visualize anatomical structures such as organs, bones, and vessels. While each of these imaging methods has its own strengths, they share important common features, as they are non-invasive and associated with only minimal side effects.

Modern imaging workflows require stable sample positioning, consistent orientation, and flexible system integration. In multimodal setups in particular, the sample alignment must remain reliable across different measurement steps to ensure high image quality and comparability. At the same time, imaging platforms must accommodate varying sample geometries and meet application-specific environmental requirements.

To address these demands, SmarAct provides a modular positioning approach for the alignment and manipulation of samples as well as optical and functional components in imaging systems. By combining individually configured degrees of freedom with application-tailored stage configurations and sample holders, the system can be adapted to a wide range of imaging tasks. Depending on the application, the platform can be configured for operation under ambient conditions as well as in (ultra-) high vacuum, cryogenic, and can be manufactured from non-magnetic materials.

Figure 1 SmarAct TotalAlign - Multimodal Imaging Platform. a) Representative TotalAlign – multimodal imaging platform system with 6 degrees of freedom; b) 3D model highlighting exemplary degrees of freedom: SR-17522C rotary stage (1), SR-3211 rotary stage with mounted SLC-1730 linear stage (2), single SLC-1739 positioner (3), SLC-24180 linear stage (4) and SR-5714C (5).

A representative example is the SmarAct TotalAlign – Multimodal Imaging Platform (Figure 1a,b). The system is designed to accommodate a wide range of sample types and can be adapted for various imaging methods. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, two complex positioning platforms are mechanically separated from each other. By this architecture, high flexibility is achieved as the specimen can be aligned independently while additional tools or components can be positioned relative to it.

The basic platform of the tool-handling subsystem is a vertically mounted SR-17522C rotary positioner (1) with a total diameter of 200 mm. This large-diameter rotary stage serves as the carrier for stable rotational motion of components around the sample. To add more degrees of freedom, additional compact positioning axes are mounted directly to this SR-17522C rotary stage. In the configuration shown, these include an SR-3211 rotary stage combined with an SLC-1730 linear positioner (2), together with a second SLC-1730 positioner (3). This arrangement provides flexible alignment for the controlled positioning of tools in the vicinity of the sample.

Sample handling is implemented independently of the SR-17522C rotary tool platform. A SLC-24180 linear positioner (5) is guided horizontally through the central aperture of the SR-17522C and is used exclusively for specimen motion. Mounted on this linear axis, an SR-5714C rotary positioner (4) together with a sample holder provides additional rotational degree of freedom for alignment. In the example shown, all positioners were manufactured from non-magnetic materials, which makes the configuration ideal for use in external magnetic field, such as PET/MRI or MRI.
The key characteristic of this architecture is its configurability with respect to available installation space and required motion functions. Different imaging methods have different requirements regarding sample access, alignment, stability, and environmental compatibility. By combining compact linear and rotary stages in a modular arrangement, the platform can be adapted to application-specific requirements while maintaining reproducible positioning across multiple measurement steps.

The system can be operated with the SmarAct MCS2 Control System. The MCS2 is a modular controller for SmarAct positioning solutions and is available in configurations for 3 to 18 positioning stages. It supports manual operation via hand control module as well as synchronized multi-axis motion and complex motion trajectories. The controller provides the dynamic performance required for demanding positioning tasks. Standard communication interfaces include USB, Ethernet, and EtherCAT®. Software integration is available for C/C++, Python, and LabVIEW. This makes the system suitable both for standalone operation and for integration into higher-level imaging, measurement, or laboratory automation environments.

For automated workflows, the hardware can be complemented by the SmarAct Control & Process Environment (SCoPE). SCoPE combines hardware integration, user-interface development, graphical workflow design, and Python scripting in one environment. This allows customer-specific control applications to be implemented efficiently, from early functional setups to independently deployable systems. In the context of multimodal imaging, this software layer can simplify the implementation of repeatable positioning sequences, coordinated measurement routines, and application-specific control workflows.

The modular SmarAct TotalAlign platform combines scalability and compactness for modern imaging applications that require precise sample positioning, flexible system configuration, and reliable integration into existing experimental environments. By combining compact position components, stage variants compatible with the target environment, modular control hardware, and adaptable software tools, the platform supports reproducible and application-specific imaging processes in research and instrumentation settings.