In the life sciences, precise handling and manipulation of samples is one of the most important parts of the daily work at a microscopy workstation; therefore, the equipment used must be extremely accurate and reliable. SmarAct offers high-precision, solid and, on request, customized microscopy stages for your specific application.
SOM-MS-5050
Travel Y: 31 mm
Dimensions: 113 x 113 x 31,15 mm
SOM-MS-8070
Travel Y: 46 mm
Dimensions: 147 x 113 x 27 mm
SOM-MS-8080
Travel Y: 51 mm
Dimensions: 138 x 138 x 32.15 mm
SOM-MS-12090
Travel Y: 63 mm
Dimensions: 226 x 176 x 30 mm
SOM-MS-180150M – Electromagnetic Microscope Stage
Travel Y: 101 mm
Dimensions: 300 x 230 x 35 mm
SOM-MS-180150
Travel Y: 103 mm
Dimensions: 286 x 216 x 30 mm
SOM-MS-505020
Travel Y: 31 mm
Travel Z: 12 mm
Dimensions: 113 x 113 x 35 mm
SOM-MS-808030
Travel Y: 51 mm
Travel Z: 19 mm
Dimensions: 138 x 138 x 43.8 mm
Microscope Stages and Manipulators
To meet these requirements, SmarAct has developed microscope stages that not only allow the specimen to be positioned in two dimensions, but also enable the mounting of micro-manipulation systems for in situ sample manipulation. The microscope stages themselves are based on compact linear stages and allow long travel ranges with nanometer precision and highest closed-loop repeatability.
In addition to the standard universal object slide holder, unified well plate holders and petri dish holders are available. For easy and fast exchange of slides and coverslips in high throughput experiments, a magnetic holder is also available.
Micro-manipulation systems are very versatile devices when it comes to handle pipettes, micro-knives, micro-grippers, micro-injectors or other mechanical or electrical probes. Our portfolio includes several different manipulators with three and four degrees of freedom for the most common tasks.
Larger stages support not just one, but two or more micro-manipulators, providing even more degrees of freedom for specimen manipulation.
All manipulators can be moved completely independently and can of course be equipped with different tools and axis configurations.
Compatibility and Adaptability
The base plate of the microscope stages is breabboard compatible. Adapters for standard inserts ensure compatibility with common manufacturers. Cover plates and the stages themselves are highly customizable. You are always welcome to contact us to discuss adapting our stages to your specific microscope model or custom designed setup.
Control Systems and Software
The XY stage and the micro-manipulators are controlled by SmarAct’s MCS2 Control System. The MCS2 allows to control up to 18 single positioning stages. This makes even highly versatile setups consisting of one XY stage and four micro-manipulators with four degrees of freedom each possible. A special driving mode, called “quiet mode”, eliminates the typical driving sound of piezo-driven stages by shifting the driving frequency out of the human hearing range. The system and the manipulators can be controlled by different hand control devices with tactile buttons and joysticks or with SmarAct’s precision tool commander software on your own PC. Integration of the XY system and the manipulators into your own control software can be realized with the help of the supplied software development kits which include documentation, libraries and programming examples for C/C++, Python and LabVIEW™. Based on the control interface, the microscopy stage can easily be integrated into existing software frameworks. Even an integration into Micro-Manager, an open source software package for microscope image acquisition and device control by Open Imaging Inc., is available.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questiones
For further information or any additional questions, please contact us at info@smaract.com. Our team will be happy to assist you.
SOM-MS stages are high-precision nanopositioning stages available in XY and XYZ configurations. They use piezo stick-slip or electromagnetic drive principles and are offered in various sizes to suit different system footprints. While optimized for microscopy, they are also suitable for a wide range of precision positioning and alignment tasks.
Modern scientific, industrial, and medical applications require sub-micron accuracy and high repeatability. SmarAct stages employ piezo stick-slip drives for compact, fast-settling solutions and electromagnetic drives for smooth, frictionless, high-throughput operation with position stability down to ±5 nm.
SOM-MS stages are operated using SmarAct controllers tailored to specific application requirements and budget levels. A comprehensive software API for C/C++, Python and LabView™ is available under Windows® and Linux®. A large library of programming examples is included in the installation, and SCPI-based ASCII command protocols for ethernet interfaces is also available. Manual control elements as integrated or external hand units are available. The systems can be equipped with one or more I/O modules, either digital or a combination of digital and analog I/O for external control and synchronization. In addition, a plug-in for integration with µManager is included.
Yes. Our stages can be customized by adding further degrees of freedom, e.g. by adding linear or rotational positioners using adapter plates. For objective focusing, the SM-FS focusing unit can be used. Please reach out to our sales team if you require a custom positioning system for a specific task.
Yes. SOM-AP stage inserts allow the use of Petri dishes, multiwell plates, and other sample holders. Micromanipulators and additional modules can be integrated thanks to the modular system design.
SOM-MS stages can be integrated into commercial and custom-built microscope systems. SmarAct provides customized mechanical designs and adapter plates for seamless integration.
Yes. The SOM-MS-180150M stage is optimized for higher dynamics, larger payloads, and fast scanning applications.
Applications include super-resolution and fluorescence microscopy, semiconductor inspection, materials science, biotechnology, life science, quantum optics, photonics, and industrial inspection processes.
High-vacuum (HV) or ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) compatibility, and non-magnetic options are available upon request.