SmarAct offers several plug-and-play kits for different open-source microscopes (e.g., NanoPro 1.0, MiCube, K2 TIRF a.o.) With the SmarAct's superresolution kits you receive complete and ready-to-use sets for sample manipulation consisting of positioning systems, control units and required electrical and mechanical connection elements.

Ganzinger Lab K2 TIRF Kit

Kit for sample manipulation with 31 mm travel in three degrees of freedom and nm resolution.
Ganzinger Lab K2 TIRF Kit

MiCube Kit

Kit for sample manipulation with 21 mm travel in three degrees of freedom and nm resolution.
MiCube Kit

Mosaic (HHMI) Kit

Kit for sample manipulation with up to 35 mm travel in three plus two degrees of freedom and nm resolution.
Mosaic (HHMI) Kit

NanoPro 1.0 Kit

Kit for sample manipulation with 51 mm travel in three degrees of freedom and nm resolution.
NanoPro 1.0 Kit

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.

What are Superresolution Kits and what advantages do they offer?

SmarAct Superresolution Kits are modular, plug-and-play upgrade solutions for open source microscope platforms such as NanoPro 1.0, MiCube, and K2 TIRF. The kits include a high-precision XYZ positioning system, control units, and all required mechanical and electrical components. Customized sample holders can be provided upon request.

What technology is used for the Superresolution kits?

The kits are based on piezoelectric drives, offering compact designs, and fast settling times.

What sensor resolution can be achieved with the Superresolution Kits?

Superresolution Kits support sensor resolutions down to 1 nm. Configurations with 4 nm or 100 nm sensor resolution are also available to balance performance and cost.

How are the Superresolution kits controlled?

Superresolution Kits are operated using SmarAct controllers tailored to specific application requirements and budget levels. They can be controlled either by using the plug-and-play upgrades or by a comprehensive software API for C/C++, Python and LabView™, which 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 by integrated or external hand units can be purchased. 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.

Are the Superresolution Kits compatible with existing microscope systems?

Yes. Upon request, compatibility with existing microscopes can be evaluated. Customized mechanical interfaces enable retrofitting to a wide range of platforms.

Which microscopy techniques and research fields benefit from Superresolution kits?

The kits are suitable for all applications requiring precise XYZ sample manipulation. They are optimized for open-source microscope platforms but can be adapted to other systems. They benefit from a wide range of research fields that rely on high-precision positioning.

What customization options are available for specific requirements?

Customization options include travel ranges, mechanical interfaces, threaded hole patterns, sensor resolutions, and material selections such as black anodized surfaces. The modular design allows flexible reconfiguration and combinations of SmarAct technologies (e.g. CLS, SLC, CGO, SR, and gripper).

For which environmental conditions are the Superresolution kits available?

High-vacuum (HV), ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) compatibility, and non-magnetic versions are available upon request.