MCL Think Nano Nano-F450 Piezo Objective Focusing Stage
| Brand | MCL Think Nano |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Nano-F450 |
| Travel Range | 450 µm |
| Resolution | 0.9 nm |
| Resonant Frequency (no load) | 240 Hz ±20% |
| Resonant Frequency (150 g load) | 160 Hz ±20% |
| Resonant Frequency (250 g load) | 130 Hz ±20% |
| Stiffness | 1.0 N/µm |
| Max Recommended Load | 0.5 kg |
| Body Material | Aluminum and Brass |
| Compatible Mounting Threads | RMS, M25, M26 |
| Control Architecture | Closed-loop with PicoQ® capacitive position sensing |
| Controller | Nano-Drive® |
Overview
The MCL Think Nano Nano-F450 is a high-performance, closed-loop piezoelectric objective focusing stage engineered for precision axial displacement in advanced optical microscopy systems. Designed specifically to serve as a microscope objective z-positioner, it operates on the principle of piezoelectric actuation combined with integrated PicoQ® capacitive position sensing—enabling nanometer-level resolution, absolute positional feedback, and real-time closed-loop correction without drift or hysteresis. With a maximum travel range of 450 µm, the Nano-F450 delivers the longest linear displacement among commercially available piezo-based objective focusers, making it uniquely suited for demanding applications requiring both extended range and sub-nanometer repeatability—particularly in multi-plane confocal imaging, structured illumination, and single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) techniques such as STORM and PALM.
Key Features
- 450 µm closed-loop travel range—the industry’s longest for objective-mounted piezo focusers
- 0.9 nm minimum incremental resolution with <1 nm bidirectional repeatability
- PicoQ® integrated capacitive position sensor ensures absolute, drift-free position measurement independent of voltage history or temperature fluctuation
- High dynamic response: resonant frequency up to 240 Hz (unloaded), maintaining >130 Hz under 250 g lens load—critical for rapid z-stack acquisition
- Stiffness of 1.0 N/µm supports stable optical alignment and minimizes mechanical compliance during fast scanning
- Quick-mount adapter system compatible with RMS (0.800″-36), M25×0.75, and M26×0.75 thread standards; adapters install directly into microscope nosepiece turrets without cable rotation or re-alignment
- Modular integration capability: interoperable with other Mad City Labs nanopositioning stages (e.g., Nano-Z, Nano-ZL series) via synchronized Nano-Drive® controller architecture
- Aluminum and brass hybrid construction ensures thermal stability, EMI shielding, and mechanical robustness in vibration-sensitive lab environments
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Nano-F450 is designed for universal compatibility across major inverted and upright research-grade microscopes—including Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus, Leica, and Thorlabs platforms—via standardized threaded adapters. It complies with mechanical interface conventions defined in ISO 8039 (microscope objective mounting threads) and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per FCC Part 15 Subpart B and CE Directive 2014/30/EU. While not a medical device, its closed-loop architecture, deterministic step response, and traceable calibration methodology support GLP/GMP-aligned experimental workflows where positional auditability is required. All firmware and controller logic are deterministic and non-volatile, enabling reproducible motion profiles suitable for regulated preclinical imaging studies.
Software & Data Management
Control is delivered through the Nano-Drive® controller—a USB 2.0–connected, FPGA-based platform supporting LabVIEW™, MATLAB®, Python (via PySerial and provided SDK), and C/C++ APIs. The controller logs full motion trajectories with timestamped position data at up to 10 kHz sampling rate, enabling post-acquisition synchronization with camera triggers, laser pulses, or external DAQ systems. Built-in waveform generation supports ramp, sine, triangle, and custom user-defined profiles—essential for autofocus routines and adaptive z-scanning. Audit-trail functionality records all parameter changes, firmware versions, and calibration events, satisfying documentation requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant laboratories. No cloud dependency or proprietary runtime is required; all software tools are distributable and license-free for academic and commercial use.
Applications
- High-speed, large-volume confocal z-stack acquisition with minimal settling time
- Real-time hardware autofocus in live-cell time-lapse imaging
- Z-drift compensation in super-resolution SMLM (STORM, PALM, DNA-PAINT)
- Multi-focus plane illumination control in light-sheet and structured illumination microscopy (SIM)
- Integration into automated patch-clamp or optogenetic rigs requiring precise objective positioning
- Calibration reference stage for interferometric or autocorrelation-based focus validation systems
FAQ
What mounting thread options are available for the Nano-F450?
Standard configurations support RMS (0.800″-36), M25×0.75, and M26×0.75 threads. Custom thread variants can be specified at time of order.
Can the Nano-F450 operate without the Nano-Drive® controller?
No—it requires the Nano-Drive® controller for closed-loop operation, waveform generation, and communication with host software.
Is the Nano-F450 compatible with vacuum or cleanroom environments?
The standard unit is rated for ambient laboratory conditions only; vacuum-compatible variants require consultation with MCL engineering and may involve material and sealing modifications.
How is calibration traceability maintained?
Each unit undergoes factory calibration using NIST-traceable interferometric metrology; calibration certificates and raw sensor linearity data are provided upon request.
What is the warranty and service policy?
MCL Think Nano provides a 24-month limited warranty covering materials and workmanship; extended service plans and on-site calibration support are available through authorized distributors.
