Automation

Compact, piezo-based lens positioning systems

Physik Instrumente (PI)

Physik Instrumente (PI) has completely revised its portfolio of compact vertical positioning systems for microscope objectives - PIFOC. Significant improvements are higher dynamics, travel ranges of up to 800 µm and easier handling. The PIFOCs, which are suitable for installation in the objective nosepiece of both upright and inverted microscopes, are essential for applications in the life sciences, materials microscopy, quality assurance and the semiconductor industry.

The focus of the new PIFOC portfolio from PI is on three systems that differ in their travel range: 100 µm, 400 µm and 800 µm. Thanks to several design measures, such as optimized levers and steel mounts, considerable improvements in the dynamic properties could be achieved. In addition, a vertical positioner with a travel range of 800 µm is now also available for the first time.

The handling of the PIFOCs has also been optimized. The new ring clamp only slightly restricts the original Z focus stroke of the microscope drive. The largest possible diameter was selected for the aperture to reduce the number of variants. A set of adapter rings makes it easy to screw in different lenses up to thread size M34.