Amplified Piezo Stage for Microscope Slides


  • High-Precision Z-Axis Translation with 2 nm Resolution (Open Loop)
  • Travel Range: 1100 µm in Open Loop; 800 µm in Closed Loop
  • Slim, Low-Profile Slide Holder and Stage
  • Ideal for Z-Stack Image Acquisition

LPSA1

Microscope Slide Holder
(Slide not Included)

Application Idea

The LPS710E(/M) can be used to scan slides using a Cerna® microscope.

LPS710E

Piezo Scanning Stage
(Included Controller Not Shown)

Related Items


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LPS710E/M and LPSA1/M Mounted on a Cerna Rigid Stand
Click to Enlarge
The LPS710E/M stage and LPSA1/M slide holder attached to a MP10/M rigid stand for use with a Cerna® microscope.
LPS710E(/M) Key Specificationsa
Drive Voltage Range (Max) -25 V to 150 V
Travel Open Loop 1100 µm ± 10%
Closed Loop 800 µm
Resolution Open Loop 2 nm
Closed Loop 6 nm
Accuracy Closed Loop ±0.06% (Over Full Travel Range)
Bidirectional Repeatability Closed Loop ±0.03% (Over Full Travel Range)
Angular Error Closed Loop ±40 µrad (Over Full Travel Range)
Maximum Loadb 300 g (0.66 lbs)
Outer Dimensions
(L x W x H)
130 mm x 28 mm x 30 mm
(5.1" x 1.1" x 1.2")
  • More detailed specifications are available in the Specs tab.
  • The center of mass should be as close as possible to the stage.
LPSA1 Microscope Slide Holder Mounted on the LPS710 Piezo Stage
Click to Enlarge
Once mounted onto the LPS710(/M), secure a microscope slide onto the LPSA1(/M) using the spring-loaded plunger.

Features

  • Long Range Z-Axis Motion
    • 1100 µm When in Open Loop
    • 800 µm When in Closed Loop
  • Paired, High-Precision Controller and Capacitive Feedback Sensors Provide High-Resolution Positioning
    • 2 nm Resolution in Open Loop
    • 6 nm Resolution in Closed Loop
  • Holder Secures Slides Between 2.88" to 3.00" Long, Up to 0.055" (1.4 mm) Thick and 1.00" (25.4 mm) Wide
  • Kinesis® and APT™ Interfaces, ThorImage®LS Integration, and Control via External Voltage

The LPS710E(/M) Amplified Piezo Stage provides long range, fine focus Z-axis travel for a microscope slide while maintaining a compact, low-profile footprint. It features submicron repeatability, nanometer positioning resolution, low angular error, and fast millisecond response and settling times. When used with the LPSA1(/M) microscope slide holder, the stage is ideal for imaging modalities requiring sensitive sample positioning and sectioning, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy. This stage is not compatible with trans-illumination.

The stage is driven by a discrete piezo stack housed within a hardened steel flexure structure that preloads the piezo stack and amplifies its displacement. When controlled in a closed loop, which provides higher precision positioning and reduced hysteresis, this results in a maximum total displacement of 800 µm; when operating in open-loop, the resulting maximum total displacement is 1100 µm. Built-in capacitive feedback sensors along with our high-precision piezo controller provide 6 nm resolution in closed-loop operation, enabling active compensation for short- and long-term drifts. When used in open loop, the controller will provide an accurate readout of the stage position with a resolution of 2 nm. An engraved arrow on the side of the unit indicates the direction of travel. For additional information on piezoelectric device structure and actuation, see the Piezoelectric Tutorial.

The LPSA1(/M) slide holder uses two countersunk cap screws to attach to the 21.0 mm x 21.0 mm mounting surface on the top of the LPS710E(/M). The mounting surface is equipped with four 4-40 (M3) blind mounting holes that are 4.8 mm deep to orient the slide holder in two orthogonal positions on the stage. The slide holder is compatible with microscope slides and test targets, as well as any rectangular optic from 2.88" (73.1 mm) to 3.00" (76.5 mm) long and up to 0.055" (1.4 mm) thick and 1.00" (25.4 mm) wide. Slides are secured using the red, spring-loaded plunger.

In addition to the slide holder, the stage can secure a Ø7 mm optic mount or other 4-40 (M3) equipped component. The base of the stage includes two slots for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws and two slots for 4-40 (M3) cap screws that can be used to secure the stage to a stage or breadboard for use with a microscope, such as our Rigid Stands or Translating Platforms, or directly to an optical table. In addition, the stage has two bottom- and side-located 4-40 (M3) mounting holes that can be used to secure the stage using our line of mini-series components.

Each stage is shipped with a piezo controller that has been factory calibrated to the specific stage to achieve maximum accuracy. It is not recommended to operate the piezo stage with a different controller. Piezo control is supported through the included Kinesis and APT GUIs, our ThorImage®LS image acquisition software, or an externally supplied control voltage. See the Software & External Control tab for more details. The controller offers USB and RS-232 interfaces for computer control; a BNC input for sine, sawtooth, and square wave drive signals; and a BNC output that gives either positioning feedback from the scanner's built-in capacitive sensors or a signal proportional to the piezo drive voltage. In addition, a DB15 connector provides signals that can be used for synchronization with external equipment.

Piezo Stage Specifications
Open-Loop Travel Range (-25 V to 150 V) 1100 µm ± 10%
Closed-Loop Travel Range 800 µm
Open-Loop Resolution 2 nm
Closed-Loop Resolution 6 nm
Maximum Loada 300 g (0.66 lbs)
Feedback Transducer Type Capacitive
Resonant Frequency (15 g Load) Primary: 185 Hz ± 15%
Secondary: 115 Hz ± 15%
Pull Force (Increasing Voltage) 55 N ±15%
Push Force (Decreasing Voltage) 45 N ±15%
Accuracy
(Closed Loop - Over Full Travel Range)
±0.06%
Bidirectional Repeatability
(Closed Loop - Over Full Travel Range)
±0.03%
Angular Error
(Closed Loop - Over Full Travel Range)
±40 µrad
Stiffness 0.1 N/µm ±20%
Capacitance 16 µF ± 15%
Cable Length 2 m (6' 7")
Connector Male 15-Way Mixed Signal
Combination D-Sub
Dimensionsb 130 mm x 28 mm x 30 mm
(5.1" x 1.1" x 1.2")
Dimensions (Excluding Mounting Plate) 130 mm x 28 mm x 28.5 mm
(5.1" x 1.1" x 1.12")
Weightc 180 g (0.40 lbs)
Operating Temperature Range 5 to 40 °C
  • Center of mass should be as close as possible to the stage for best performance.
  • Height is given at the stage's mid travel location. When fully extended or powered off, the height of the stage will be 30.4 mm. The stage is designed such that the mounting surface will always remain above the top surface of the housing.
  • Does not include cable.
Controller Specifications
Piezoelectric Output
Drive Voltage Range -25 V to +150 V
Drive Voltage Stability 100 ppm over 24 Hours
(After 30-Minute Warm-Up)
Drive Voltage Noise <0.5 mV (RMS)a
Output Current 150 mA
External Input (BNC)
Input Voltage Rangeb -10 V to +10 V
Input Voltage for Full Range 10 V DC ± 2%
Input Impedance 10 kΩ
Absolute Maximum Input Voltage ±20 VDC
External Output (BNC)
Output Voltage Range 0 V to +10 V Nominal for Full Range
(Output can Swing Negative in Certain Scenarios)
Output Impedance 10 kΩ (Minimum)
Physical Specifications
Input Powerc Input Voltage 24 VDC ± 5%
Input Current <2 A
Dimensions 205.0 mm x 147.0 mm x 68.3 mm
(8.07" x 5.79" x 2.69")
Weight 1.65 kg (3.63 lbs)
Operating Temperature Range 5 to 40 °C
  • Measurement Bandwidth: 20 Hz - 100 kHz
  • The drive voltage or displacement that is determined by the input voltage is added to the value that is set in the Kinesis or APT GUI. See the Software & External Control tab for details.
  • A region-specific power supply is included with the LPS710E.
PPC001 Controller Back Panel
Click to Enlarge

Back Panel of PPC001 Piezo Controller
Information on the connectors is available in the Pin Diagrams tab.
PPC001 Piezo Controller Front Panel
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Front Panel of PPC001 Piezo Controller
In the software, the front panel LEDs can be set to three intensities: full, dim, or off. The dim mode, shown above, is the default setting.

Piezo Stage Accuracy
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Click for Raw Data
The positioning accuracy of the LPS710E piezo stage is provided over a range of target positions. In this test the stage is being operated in closed loop. A target position is set and a position error is found. Both forward and backward directional movements are measured. A Renishaw XL-80 laser interferometer was used to obtain this data.

Piezo Stage Hysteresis
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Click for Raw Data
The displacement response of the LPS710E piezo stage to applied voltage is plotted above. In these tests, the voltage was first increased from 0 V to 150 V, then decreased to -25 V, and finally returned to 0 V. The initial and final positions are offset slightly due to hysteresis. A Renishaw XL-80 laser interferometer was used to obtain this data.

Polarization Window, Straight vs. Coiled
Click to Enlarge

Click for Raw Data
The resonant frequency of the LPS710E piezo stage as a function of the applied load is plotted above. Linear resonance occurs when the mounted load is symmetric with respect to the top mounting hole, or "on axis". Angular resonance occurs when a load is mounted asymmetrically with respect to the top mounting hole, or "off axis." To minimize angular resonance modes, keep the load's center of mass as close to the top mounting hole as possible.

LPS710E stage displacement
Click to Enlarge

The positioning behavior of the LPS710E was measured over time. In this test the stage is being controlled by Thorlabs' APT™ software and set to Jog at 0.1 µm intervals. The stage is being operated in closed loop, around the mid-range of travel (400 µm), and with a 14 g load mounted. A Renishaw XL-80 laser interferometer was used to obtain this data.

Software

APT Version 3.21.6

The APT Software Package includes a GUI for control of the stage.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol

Software Download

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.47

The Kinesis Software Package includes a GUI for control of the stage.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol

Software Download

Capture Setup Tab in ThorImageLS
Click to Enlarge

Z Control Panel from ThorImage®LS Capture Setup Tab

Capture Tab in ThorImageLS
Click to Enlarge

Fast Z Panel from ThorImageLS Capture Tab

The stage can be driven using the included Kinesis® GUI, the legacy APT™ GUI, our ThorImage®LS software for Bergamo® II and confocal microscopes, or an externally supplied control voltage. In addition, a DB15 connector provides signals that can be used for synchronization with external equipment. Complete details on control are available in the LPS710E manual for Kinesis and APT (PDF links).

Open-Loop Operation vs. Closed-Loop Operation
There are two operating modes for positioning the stage: open loop and closed loop. In open-loop operation, which supports a travel range of 1100 µm ± 10%, the user controls the piezo drive voltage (in V). The applied drive voltage corresponds to some amount of stage displacement. For piezoelectric materials, this displacement does not depend linearly on the applied voltage: it exhibits nonlinearity and hysteresis. It is therefore not straightforward to position the stage by choosing the drive voltage. The stage's controller and built-in capacitive feedback sensors measure the stage displacement with 2 nm resolution in open-loop operation.

In closed-loop operation, which supports a travel range of 800 µm, the user directly controls the stage displacement (in µm). The built-in capacitive feedback sensors measure the stage displacement with 6 nm resolution in closed-loop operation.

Piezo Objective Scanner GUI
Click to Enlarge

Kinesis® GUI Panel
Piezo Objective Scanner GUI
Click to Enlarge

APT™ GUI Panel
Piezo Objective Scanner GUI
Click to Enlarge

APT Loop Tuning tab.

Kinesis and APT GUIs
The Kinesis and APT GUIs support both open- and closed-loop operation. The piezo drive voltage or stage displacement can be directly typed in, changed by dragging the output knob (APT only), or incremented or decremented in fixed, user-defined amounts.

In addition, the GUIs enable manual PID loop tuning. The default settings are designed to provide stable operation, but manually fine tuning the PID loop and notch filters helps account for the specific objects mass in use in the experiment, reducing positional overshoots and ringing about the commanded objective position.

Screenshots are shown to the left.

ThorImageLS Image Acquisition Software
ThorImageLS supports closed-loop operation. It allows the movement of the stage to be controlled from the same interface as Thorlabs' Bergamo II and confocal microscopes, greatly simplifying experimental integration. For convenience, controls for the stage are found in both the Capture Setup and Capture tabs. Screenshots are shown to the right.

The ThorImageLS software works in conjunction with the Kinesis GUI, so the settings for the IO Control Mode should be set to 'Software + External BNC' before controlling the stage.

Externally Supplied Control Voltage
In this mode, the stage supports both open- and closed-loop operation. The voltage is applied using the external input BNC connector on the controller. The drive voltage or stage displacement that is determined by the input voltage is added to the value that is set in the APT GUI. If this sum would result in a drive voltage outside the -25 V to +150 V range, those limits will not be exceeded.

The external input BNC connector is typically used with sine, sawtooth, or square drive signals. The maximum frequency of the signal that should be applied depends upon the waveform. For large periodic waveforms (i.e., sine waves that provide >200 µm of total displacement), the recommended drive frequencies are:

  • ≤40 Hz for Loads up to 50 g
  • ≤30 Hz for Loads from 50 g to 150 g
  • ≤20 Hz for Loads from 150 g to 300 g

For staircase waveforms with step sizes up to 50 µm, the minimum time between steps can be as small as the 25 ms typical settling time.

DB15 Connector
For photostimulation, electrophysiology, and optogenetics applications, the DB15 connector on the controller provides several electrical signals that can be used to synchronize the movement of the piezo stage with other equipment, such as multiphoton imaging lasers, patch clamp electrodes, and LED light sources. Details on this connector are available in Appendix A.2 of the Kinesis and APT manuals (PDF links).

Piezo Controller Pin Diagrams

Stage Connector

Stage Controller Connector

Pin Description Pin Description
1 HV Ground (Return) 8 HV Ground (Return)
2 Not Used 9 Not Used
3 Not Used 10 Stage IDb
4 Sine Wave Drive Output 11 Low Voltage Ground
5 Not Used 12 Low Voltage Ground
6 +15 V (Preamp Supply)a 13 Piezo ID (Legacy Stages)b
7 Low Voltage Ground 14 Position Sense Input
(Strain Gauge)
Coaxial
Male
Position Sense Input
(Capacitive)
15 -15 V (Preamp Supply)a
Coaxial
Female
HV Output
  • Power supply for the piezo actuator feedback circuit. Do not use this pin to drive any other circuits or devices.
  • This signal is applicable only to Thorlabs actuators. It enables the system to identify the piezo extension associated with the actuator.

User Connectora

Female DB15

User

Pin Description Return Pin Description Return
1 Digital Output 1 5, 9, 10 9 Digital Ground -
2 Digital Output 2 5, 9, 10 10 Digital Ground -
3 Digital Output 3 5, 9, 10 11 For Future Use
(Trigger Out)
5, 9, 10
4 Digital Output 4 5, 9, 10 12 For Future Use
(Trigger In)b
5, 9, 10
5 Digital Ground - 13 Digital Input 4 5, 9, 10
6 Digital Input 1 5, 9, 10 14 5 V Supply Output 5, 9, 10
7 Digital Input 2 5, 9, 10 15 5 V Supply Output 5, 9, 10
8 Digital Input 3 5, 9, 10
  • Details on this connector are available in Appendix A.2 of the manual (PDF link).
  • This pin effectively replicates the function of the Closed Loop button on the front panel. The unit can be switched between open-loop and closed-loop operation by connecting an external, normally-open button between this pin and ground. A 5 V TTL signal can also be used.

Computer Control via RS-232

Male DB9

9Pin DIN Male

Pin Description Pin Description
1 Not Connected 6 Not Connected
2 RX (Controller Input) 7 Not Connected
3 TX (Controller Output) 8 Not Connected
4 Not Connected 9 Not Connected
5 Ground

Computer Control via USB

Female Type B USB

DB9 Female

External Input

BNC Female

BNC Female

Input Voltage: -10 V to +10 V
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ

External Output

BNC Female

BNC Female

Output Voltage: 0 V to +10 V
Output Impedance (Min): 10 kΩ

Joystick Connector

Female Mini DIN

Handset Connector
Pin Description Pin Description
1 RX (Controller Input) 4 +5 V, 100 mA Supply for Joystick
2 Ground 5 TX (Controller Output)
3 Ground 6 Ground
LPS710E Shipping List
Click to Enlarge

Items Included with LPS710E(/M) (North American Power Cord Shown)

Item # LPS710E(/M) consists of the following:

  • LPS710 or LPS710/M Stage
  • PPC001 Piezo Controller
  • Power Supply with Region-Specific Power Cord
  • USB Cable for Computer Connections
  • Storage Case with Slots for Stage and All Optional Accessories

The microscope slide holder and mirror mount are available for purchase separately. The box that houses the LPS710E has an insert for the LPSA1(/M) microscope slide holder and LPSA5(/M) mirror mount.


Posted Comments:
Songyun Gu  (posted 2023-12-11 22:17:58.33)
For the product LPSA1, I am wondering if you could make one with clear apeture? Maybe it can be in round shape and leave a blank hole in the middle while keeping the clamping mechanism. Thx!
Piotr Sosinowski  (posted 2023-01-17 19:05:29.653)
Dir Sirs, I have a problem with PPC001 Piezo Controller. The controller has overvoltaged. Despite the replacement of obviously burnt out elements, the device still does not start. Can I count on help with the repair? Is it possible to share the electronic diagram so that I can repair it myself. Is only repair by your service possible. How much would the repair cost? I will be grateful for your help
do'neill  (posted 2023-01-18 10:13:21.0)
Response from Daniel at Thorlabs: I am sorry to hear this. We would not recommend you repair these yourself. I will reach out to you directly to discuss troubleshooting and your repair.
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Amplified Piezo Stage and Microscope Slide Holder

Imperial and metric slide holders are compatible with their respective imperial or metric piezo stage.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
LPS710E Support Documentation
LPS710EPiezo Stage and Paired Controller, 1100 µm Travel, 4-40 Mounting Taps
$5,415.54
Today
LPSA1 Support Documentation
LPSA1Microscope Slide Holder for Amplified Piezo Stage, Imperial
$192.17
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+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
LPS710E/M Support Documentation
LPS710E/MPiezo Stage and Paired Controller, 1100 µm Travel, M3 Mounting Taps
$5,415.54
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LPSA1/M Support Documentation
LPSA1/MMicroscope Slide Holder for Amplified Piezo Stage, Metric
$192.17
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