Features

• Motorized Micromanipulators with Stepper Motor and Piezoelectric Translation
• Minimal Drift During Experiments: <1 µm/hr
• Right-Handed Cultured Configurations Available from Stock
• Translation Along Three Axes
  • 25 mm Coarse Travel (Stepper Motor)
  • 150 or 300 µm Fine Travel (Piezoelectric)
• Repeatably Set Approach Angle Using Adjustable Stop Rings
• Headstage and Pipette Adapters Sold Separately
• Includes Axis Control Unit, Joystick, and 60 V Power Supply
• Other Configurations Available as Customs (See Custom Options Tab)

Thorlabs' Motorized Micromanipulators offer excellent control of pipette manipulation for electrophysiology and life sciences research. These micromanipulators use a combination of stepper motors and 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 Manual Patch-Clamp Micromanipulators with piezoelectric translation.

We offer motorized right-handed micromanipulators in a cultured configuration (see image to the right). This configuration provides control over the 3 cardinal directions (X, Y, and Z), which is ideal for patching cells. Translation along the X- and Y-axes positions the pipette over the cell of interest and then the Z translation brings the pipette down to patch clamp a cell. 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). We also offer left-handed cultured micromanipulators, as well as traditional left- and right-handed micromanipulators, as custom options; please the Custom Options tab for more details.

The micromanipulator can move along three different axes. Coarse translation is controlled using a stepper motor that produces a displacement up to 25 mm at a 1.6 µm minimum step size. These electrically quiet motors utilize specially shielded cables, an internal ground skeleton, and a grounding pin to eliminate noise and interference. 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.

These motorized micromanipulators use a joystick to control the stepper motor translation. Additionally, the user is able to store up to two independent positions in memory. Pushing a button on the joystick recalls the stored position, allowing the user to quickly and easily move between two predetermined positions on the micromanipulator.

Adapters for positioning a headstage or pipette at steep or shallow approach angles can be purchased separately below. These adapters allow for more experimental flexibility 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.

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Traditional Configurations are available as custom options. Please see Custom Options tab for more details.

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Right-Handed, Cultured Configurations are available from stock.
(Left-Handed configurations are available as custom options. Please see Custom Options tab.)

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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 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 PZT actuators yield 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 while many 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
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60 V Power Supply

Axis Control Unit

The axis control unit allows the user to adjust pipette placement by hand with smooth and repeatable movement through control of the piezo flexure mount. 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 travel 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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Joystick

Joystick Controller

Control of the stepper motors is accomplished through the use of the included joystick. The joystick offers analog control allowing the motorized assembly speed to be controlled continuously between 0.5 nm/s to 2 mm/s and offers a minimum step size of 1.6 µm. Joystick control allows the user to store up to two independent positions in memory and gives simple push button recall to said positions. This allows the user to quickly and reliably switch between two preset positions. 

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 both money and space. This power supply accepts an input power range of 100 - 240 V at 50 - 60 Hz.

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Custom Options for Motorized Micromanipulators 

In addition to the motorized micromanipulators available from stock, traditional and left-handed cultured configurations are available as custom options. The cultured configuration provides control over the 3 cardinal directions (X, Y, and Z), which is ideal for patching cells. Translation along the X- and Y-axes positions the pipette over the cell of interest and then the Z translation brings the pipette down to patch clamp a cell. For applications such as brain slice work, we offer the traditional configuration. In these applications, control over the Y, Z, and approach axis is preferred. Please see the table below for more details on each custom option. We also offer Manual Micromanipulators that are available in stock or as custom options.