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MFC1 USB and Power Connections

Features

• Incremental Step:100 nm (Min)
• Encoded Stepper Motor Drive
• Software Controlled:
• Stand Alone Software Included
• Integrates with Our ThorImageLS Software for Multiphoton and Confocal Imaging Systems

The MFC1 Motorized Microscope Focus Controller is a compact module enabling motorized control of the focusing mechanism built into commercial optical microscopes, such as the Nikon Ti Eclipse as shown in the photo above. An encoded stepper motor drive ensures repeatable positioning through the fine focus drive of the microscope and provides positional information, even if the fine adjustment is done manually. The motor is capable of adjusting the fine focus continuously across the microscope's entire adjustment range by engaging the microscope's fine focus knob.

The MFC1 features a universal design that is compatible with most commercially available inverted and upright microscopes. The motor is easily installed: simply remove the backing on the tape, center the motor over the fine focus knob, and press the motor onto the knob. The base incorporates 1/4" (M6) slots, which can be used to attach the unit to an optical table. The motor's height is adjustable by loosening the cap screws on the sides of the motor using a 3 mm hex key and sliding the unit up or down along the posts. Four CL5 clamps are included to aid in securing the microscope and to keep it from moving once the MFC1 is attached.

The MFC1 must be computer controlled via the USB connection on the back of the controller (refer to the image above). The unit comes with a GUI software package to control the motor, either via text box entry or a slider adjustment; for details, please see the Software tab. In addition, a software development kit is included so that the focus control can be integrated with custom imaging software. The microscope focus controller may also be controlled via USB with our ThorImageLS software, which is provided with our confocal and multiphoton imaging systems.

Screen shot of the interface provided with the MFC1.

The MFC1 is provided with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows users to control the focus of their microscope remotely using a PC. A screenshot of the GUI is shown to the right. The interface features programmable soft limits for the motor, which are set by entering values into the text boxes at the top and bottom of the slider bar. Adjustment of the motor is accomplished by using either the slider or the text box shown in the center of the screenshot. After moving the slider or entering a value in the text box, the motor will move that amount of incremental movement in mm after pressing GO. This movement will adjust the microscope's focus accordingly. At any time, the zero point of the adjustment may be reset using the "Set Zero" button.

The included CD also contains a software development kit (SDK) and support documentation describing the available functions. This allows the motorized microscope focus controller to be controlled using custom imaging software developed to control other aspects of the microscope system.

For users of Thorlabs' multiphoton and confocal imaging systems, the MFC1 may be controlled using the ThorImageLS package, which is included with the purchase of those systems. This eases integration of this accessory into our standard systems and allows all imaging processes to be handled through one software package.