Features

Adjustable-Height U-Shaped Breadboard Provides 270° Access to Samples
Includes Microscope Translator (Three Versions Available):

Manual Microscope Translation
Motorized Microscope Translation
Encoded Motorized Microscope Translation

U-Shaped UltraLight™ Series Breadboard with Sealed Holes to Contain Spills

Modern imaging technology enables the study of physiological processes in living cells and animals. Image quality depends not only on state-of-the-art technology but also on the preparation of the specimens to be imaged. Imaging of live cells, tissues, and animals often requires the ability to position the specimens so that they remain stationary during image acquisition. To address these needs, Thorlabs has developed physiology stages that provide manual or motorized movement of the microscope about a stationary specimen.

These physiology stages consist of a rigid, mechanically and thermally stable U-shaped breadboard that provides more than two hundred 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes over a full 270°, which makes it easy to mount patch clamps or other experimental accessories. The breadboard has a removeable Ø110 mm insert with an inset that can accomodate a standard microscope slide or Ø35 mm petri dish. The upper U-shaped breadboard is supported by four adjustable-heigh support columns (PHYS12P or PHYS12P/M), each of which can be adjusted from 8" to 12" (203 mm to 305 mm) and locked into place using a knurled ring locking collar. The base of each column is attached to a 1/2" (12.7 mm) thick solid aluminum breadboard measuring 24" x 24" (600 mm x 600 mm) with 1/4"-20 (M6) taps on 1.0" (25 mm) centers. This base allows the unit to maintain its factory alignment during transport; however, the aluminum breadboard can also be removed and the components can be directly mounted onto an anti-vibration table, such as our ScienceDesks. For more details on the individual components of our physiology stages, please see the Component Details tab.

Each physiology stage comes with either a manual or motorized 2" (50 mm) XY Travel Microscope Translator that is mounted to the base breadboard and provides smooth, repeatable movement in the XY direction while maintaining a stable platform for the microscope. Thorlabs' standard translators are compatible with the Nikon Eclipse FN1 upright microscope. Please email imagingsales@thorlabs.com to inqurie about adapter plates that are compatible with other common microscopes.

Many of the components of our physiology stages are available separately for custom applications. Please click here for more information.

Click on the components of the Physiology Stage, shown below, for further details. These components are also available separately for custom applications.

Custom Physiology Stage

Click to Enlarge
Encoded Motorized Translator

Click to Enlarge
Motorized Translator

Click to Enlarge
Manual Translator

Microscope Translators

Manual, Motorized, and Motorized-Encoded Microscope Translators
Compatible with Nikon's FN1 Microscope
2" (50 mm) XY Travel
110 lbs (50 kg) Load Capacity

Our microscope translators are offered in three versions to meet a variety of experimental needs. Our manual translators offer micrometers with 10 µm graduations. Our motorized version features two stepper motor actuators to automate the movement of the microscope. The motorized version with encoder improves the bidirectional repeatability, which allows for very precise microscope positioning. Click here for more details.