Re: stage motorization

Posted by Paul Herzmark on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/stage-motorization-tp4455148p4456288.html

The Nikon Perfect Focus controls Z (focus) stability of the objective and does not affect the X or Y stability. It works independently of the stage so you can have it with a motorized, manual or fixed stage.

In time-lapse imaging using Perfect Focus I frequently see nicely in-focus cells drifting together to the side as the room temperature changes. It is the stage moving.



Paul Herzmark
Specialist
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Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
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On Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 11:08 AM, Craig Brideau <[hidden email]> wrote:

A motorized stage will not necessarily be more stable than a
non-motorized stage.  It mainly depends on the bearing system.  The
motor just replaces your finger turning a shaft in most cases, so it
all really boils down to the mechanics of how the shaft is geared and
the bearing system the stage is resting on.  That said, a motorized
stage with active correction built in, like 'Perfect Focus' will 'lock
on' to a given position and actively maintain it.  More generally
speaking, if your room is fairly temperature stable, your microscope
is vibration free, and your ventilation system is not turbulent, you
should get decent stability from most good quality stages, either
manual or motorized.  At the end of the day though, it will all
revolve around your specific case; how much movement can you tolerate
within what timeframe?  You will need to verify that the specs of the
stage match your requirements.  Even then, you will probably need to
test it out to be sure.

Craig

On Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 9:56 AM, Charles Stevens <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Dear List,
>
>    We're planning to set up an inverted confocal microscope for live cell
> imaging. I'd appreciate any opinions on using manual vs x-y motorized stage.
> Is the motorized stage more stabile during long-term experiments? Does it
> facilitate/is it necessary for any experiments besides multi-point
> time-lapse imaging?
>    Thanks for your comments!
>
>   Charles
>
>