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Features

• Manual Micromanipulators with Piezoelectric Translation
• Minimal Drift During Experiments: <1 µm/hr
• Translation Along Three Axes:
  • 25 mm Coarse Travel (Micrometer)
  • 150 or 300 µm Fine Travel (Piezoelectric)
• Repeatably Set Approach Angle and Rotation Using Adjustable Stop Rings
• Headstage and Pipette Adapters Sold Separately
• Include 60 V Power Supply

Thorlabs' Manual Micromanipulators offer excellent control of pipette manipulation for electrophysiology and life sciences research. These manual micromanipulators use piezoelectric (PZT) control of translation stages to provide smooth and precise movement of the pipette head. When combined with our Gibraltar Platforms, these micromanipulators achieve unparalleled stability and control. We also offer Motorized Patch-Clamp Micromanipulators with stepper motors and piezoelectric translation.

The micromanipulator can move along three different axes (shown in the image below). Coarse translation is controlled using a mechanical micrometer and produces a displacement of 25 mm at 32 TPI. Fine control on the micromanipulators is achieved with piezoelectric flexure mounts that provide a displacement of either 150 µm or 300 µm along each axis. Two adjustable stop rings enable the user to set an approach angle and rotational orientation for fast alignment during pipette swapping (see the Micromanipulator tab for more information). 

Adapters for positioning a headstage or pipette at steep or shallow approach angles can be purchased separately below. These adapters allow for more flexibility during experiments and minimize mechanical clashing with microscopy objectives or other experimental apparatus. A close-approach headstage and pipette adapter is also available that allows pipettes and headstages to be positioned closer to a sample without interference from the micromanipulator.

Piezoelectric Control
Piezoelectric control is used to achieve superior positioning compared to hydraulic manipulators, mechanical manipulators, or motorized lead screws. Piezoelectric control provides smooth and predictable movement with no backlash and minimal drift (<1 µm/hr with temperature control). An axis control unit is included with each piezoelectric micromanipulator (see the Control Unit tab). Each axis is controlled by an independent knob on the control unit and provides a displacement of 150 µm or 300 µm (depending on model). Three turns on the control unit corresponds to the full piezo travel range, resulting in a resolution of 0.04% of the total travel.

Power Supply
The PCS-5200, PCS-5300, and PCS-5400 assemblies include an axis control unit and 60 V power supply (see the Control Unit tab) which can support up to two micromanipulator assemblies. Since a single power supply can support two of our micromanipulators, assemblies without a power supply are available upon request (see the Custom Options tab). To order manual micromanipulators without a power supply, contact Tech Support.

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Micromanipulator Assembly

Micromanipulator Assembly

Thorlabs’ Micromanipulator Assembly is composed of three linear translation stages, two rotary stages with lockable stops, one set of angle brackets, and a headstage mounting plate. The cross roller bearings of this assembly form a stiff and precise single-axis bearing system with high load capacity and minimal friction. The piezoelectric actuators provide 60 nm resolution, virtually no heating, zero backlash, and negligible drift (<1 µm/hr).

The headstage mounting plate easily accommodates headstages and pipettes. Note that the Axon CV-203B and HEKA EPC-9 headstages may be directly bolted to the headstage mounting plate. Other headstages may be mounted to the mounting plate by adding the appropriate mounting holes.

The headstage pivot allows for simple optimization of the pipette angle of approach on either an inverted or upright microscope. Additionally, the
PCS-500-SSH Steep/Shallow Headstage Adapter or MIS-PHM Pipette Holder may be used in applications requiring very steep or shallow angles. Due to the symmetric design of our micromanipulator assembly, this system can be easily modified for a left-sided or orthogonal approach axis without needing a special adapter kit.

Adjustable Stop Ring

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Adjustable Stop Ring with Pin and Brass Block with Locking Thumbscrew 

These micromanipulators include two adjustable stop rings that allow a user to repeatedly and accurately set the approach angle and horizontal rotational orientation (see image to the left). Once an appropriate angle or rotation is established, tighten the thumbscrew on the brass block to lock the mount in position. Loosen the two setscrews on either side of the pin using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) balldriver or hex key. Rotate the ring until the protruding pin is in physical contact with the brass block. To lock the ring, tighten the exposed setscrew, then loosen the thumbscrew to allow the mount to rotate freely. 

The adjustable stop rings in combination with the headstage adapter or pipette holder (sold separately below) provide a convenient mechanism for quickly changing pipettes and returning to the last position during an experiment, minimizing position readjustments and increasing efficiency. To do this, the user can set the adjustable stop ring to remember the approach angle and rotation, move the pipette away from the sample using the slide assembly on the adapters, rotate the stage away to exchange the pipette, and then quickly return to same approach angle and rotation as before.

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Axis Control Unit

Axis Control Unit

The axis control unit allows the user to adjust pipette placement by hand with smooth and repeatable movement. Each of the three stages that comprise our micromanipulator assembly can connect to one of the potentiometer knobs on the axis control unit. For convenience during system configuration, the user may choose any knob to control any particular stage. This allows the user to set the axis control unit in the most intuitive configuration for the system.

Each knob controls a three-turn potentiometer, which regulates voltage to the piezo flexure assembly and thus its position. Three turns correspond to the full travel range of the piezo assembly, yielding a resolution that is 0.04% of the total piezo travel range. For example, a 150 µm piezo stage will have a 60 nm resolution provided by the axis control unit. Additionally, the user may set the potentiometer friction to suit experimental needs.

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60 V Power Supply

Power Supply

Our micromanipulator power supply provides a regulated, low noise, 60 V output for the axis control unit. Two voltage outputs enable the power supply to regulate two axis control units. This allows the user to run two micromanipulation assemblies from the same power source, saving money and space (see the Custom Options tab for more information). This power supply accepts an input power range of 100 – 240 V at 50/60 Hz.

Custom Options for Manual Micromanipulators 

In addition to the manual micromanipulators available from stock, micromanipulator assemblies without a power supply are available as custom options. The PCS-520N assembly has no PZT actuators or motors and cannot be used with a power supply. The remaining custom options are identical to the micromanipulators we offer from stock; however they do not include a power supply.

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The PCS-5200N Connected to Included Axis Control Unit