White Papers
Below is a collection of white papers sharing our knowledge, experiences and advice on product development and market trends.
High Throughput Microscopy
| Title | Publication / White Paper | Description |
|---|---|---|
| High Speed Z Image Stacking | White Paper | For a variety of life science applications, images at multiple Z planes within the sample must be acquired. In this white paper, we examine techniques to maximize Z stack imaging throughput. |
| Optimizing Motion for Sequential Field Imaging | White Paper | In high throughput microscopy, one imaging strategy consists of sequential field to field moves and image acquisitions. In this white paper, we explore techniques to optimize motion for Sequential Field Imaging, with an emphasis on acquiring the highest possible number of images per second. |
| Image Sensor Basics: The Pixel | White Paper | For automated digital microscopy, its important to select the right image sensor. In this white paper, we examine a number of key aspects of image sensors common to both CCD and CMOS devices, starting at the pixel level. |
| Custom Microscope Tube Lenses | White Paper | Custom tube lenses are powerful tools to increase imaging performance. In this white paper, we explore how to choose the tube lens focal length, sensor pixel size, and pixel number to dramatically increase areal imaging throughput, with no loss in resolution. |
| CCD Image Sensors | White Paper | While CCD image sensors have been surpassed by CMOS sensors for most areal (move-stop-acquire) imaging applications, they remain a fundamental sensor technology, and for constant velocity TDI-CCD image scanning, their incredible charge transfer capability is essential. In this white paper, we explore the basics of CCD imaging technology. |
| Transforming XY Motion for Automated Microscopy | White Paper | This whitepaper provides an introduction to the SmartStage™ XY platform and a comparison to alternative technologies to show why this technology is already transforming automated digital microscopy. |
| 4 Steps to Optimize Optics in Automated Imaging Instruments | White Paper | Optimize the performance and cost of your automated optical imaging system with 6 key equations for selecting an imaging sensor, objective lens, Z-focusing nano-positioning stage and XY sample positioning motion. |
| Trigger On Position | White Paper | In precision motion applications, it is frequently necessary to trigger a device in a way that is synchronized with the position of a moving stage. In this white paper, we will explore this functionality, as well as its implementation in Dover Motion products. |
| The X-Y-Z's of Biomedical Imaging | Publication | At the heart of many biomedical instruments lies an automated digital microscope. While many of these systems employ simple brightfield imaging with epi (through the objective) illumination, variants include transmissive illumination, fluorescence microscopy, darkfield illumination, TIRF, Nomarski, confocal, etc. In all of these cases, some simple optical rules can be used to optimally configure a system for your application, and these rules in turn drive the requirements for the system’s mechanics. In this article, we’ll explore how the optics and mechanics interact, and show you some ways to optimize your imaging throughput. |
| A Better Way to Focus | White Paper | This white paper addresses high performance Z axis focusing for automated microscopy, along with some recent innovations in this space. Historically, piezo driven actuators have been used for these applications, but a Piezo actuator has very distinct limitations. Direct drive linear motor stages provide many advantages when compared to piezo nanopositioners. This whitepaper discusses both approaches to Z focusing motion. |
High Precision Motion
| Title | Publication / White Paper | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stepping and Servo Motor Commutation | White Paper | Multi-phase motors need to switch among phases as they move, which is referred to as commutation. Most systems with incremental encoders require an initial commutation phase finding step upon power-up. Depending on the specifics of the application, this can range from quick and easy to problematic. This white paper provides a solid grounding on the subject of commutation, and includes a robust algorithm that ensures accurate commutation under even challenging conditions. |
| Adjustable passive magnetic constant | Publication | This publication presents an adjustable passive magnetic system that provides constant force along its stroke. Gravity is an undesirable force in most linear stages that operate in non-horizontal and specifically in vertical directions. Active systems consume extra energy to compensate for this force. In addition, they impose complexity, heat and cost to the systems. Pneumatic counterbalance systems have been proposed for the past two decades; however they need compressed air and are not reliable. This design provides a passive, reliable and adjustable counterbalance that works based on shear magnetic force. |
| Slow Down to Speed Up | Publication | It may not seem logical, but you can boost the productivity of a servo system by slowing down its operation. This publication explains this paradox |
| Quantifying Velocity Stability: Optimizing Sample Rate for Effective Measurement | White Paper | This whitepaper contrasts two distinct approaches to specifying and quantifying velocity stability. Limitations and common missteps are enumerated and a recommendation is made on a preferred approach. Real-world examples reinforce the presented theory and relationship to practical applications is provided. |
| A Constant Velocity Scanning Stage with Resolution of 31 Picometers | Publication | This publication describes a constant velocity scanning stage with a resolution of 31 picometers. |
| A High Performance X-Y Stage with a Novel Topology (Delta Stage) | Publication | This publication describes a 350 mm travel X-Y positioning system with a novel topology, high dynamic performance, and an advanced real- time controller. While the initial implementation positions a 300 mm semiconductor wafer under a stationary laser system, the design can be scaled upwards or downwards in travel to suit a wide range of potential applications. The Delta Stage described below provides substantially higher performance than traditional X-Y stages, and its advantages become even more compelling as the travel is increased. |
| Accuracy in Positioning Systems | White Paper | The state of the art in precision positioning systems has undergone continuing improvement, with the result that modern positioning systems can now achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy. These gains have come about due to specific technical advances (most notably, the availability of coherent light sources) as well as inexorable pressure from high-tech applications which depend on dimensional accuracy for their existence. Notwithstanding the gains that have been made, there are gaps between levels of accuracy which are perceived as achievable, and those levels which can actually (and/or affordably) be met. This paper will attempt to address the realistic accuracy levels which various positioning technologies can meet, as well as the nature of the limitations which restrict accuracy. |
| Force Generation and Measurement | White Paper | Our broad product offerings in miniature, high performance, air bearing linear motor stages have, by virtue of their design, some interesting secondary capabilities of particular value in photonic automation applications. In addition to their traditional roles as point-to-point motion stages and constant velocity systems, the completely non-contact nature of their three primary design elements – motor, bearing, and encoder – permit these stages to function as both high performance generators and measurers of force. Central to this capability is the complete absence of friction in the bearing ways, the perfectly linear relationship between motor coil current and the resulting force, and the availability of high resolution optical encoder position feedback. Together, these make the creation and measurement of milliNewton-level forces a reality in your application, as an added benefit above and beyond the substantial value that they already provide in high precision movement, and short move and settle times. |
| Positioning Systems Overview | White Paper | Divide and conquer! To help in understanding positioning systems, it is useful to employ a classically reductionistic approach, breaking such systems down into their constituent assemblies. In this paper, we will divide the overall function of positioning systems into categories and discussing their attributes. |
| The Air Bearing Throughput Edge | White Paper | Air bearings have an additional edge over conventional bearing systems that is not generally appreciated. When compared with rolling steel bearing systems, air bearings offer a throughput advantage of up to 10 times, which is a substantial productivity improvement |
| Trigger On Position | White Paper | In precision motion applications, it is frequently necessary to trigger a device in a way that is synchronized with the position of a moving stage. In this white paper, we will explore this functionality, as well as its implementation in Dover Motion products. |
| Position Accuracy Compensation | White Paper | Discover the concept of Abbe error and its effects on the accuracy of direct-drive stages using high accuracy linear encoders. In this whitepaper, we will cover the Position Accuracy Compensation (PAC) as a powerful method to address these inaccuracies by utilizing laser interferometer measurements, resulting in substantial improvements in precision, up to 10X to 20X. |
| Microstepping Intrinsic Backlash | White Paper | Even after all sources of true mechanical backlash have been eliminated, microstepped positioning stages still exhibit backlash. In this white paper, we detail why this is happening, and what to do about it. |
Cautionary Tales
| Title | Publication / White Paper | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Limitations of Piezos | White Paper | All translation stages require a set of ways, as well as a means of actuation to produce motion along the guideways. There are a number of actuation technologies available to choose from, and one of these makes use of the inverse piezoelectric effect. This is an effect in which the application of an electrical voltage to selected materials produces an extension or contraction in that material. Due to the very low magnitude of this expansion or contraction, all practical implementations of the piezo effect rely upon either reiteration or amplification to produce useful motion. While Piezos have their place, inherent in their design are limitations that can be overcome with the use of other technologies. |
| Limitations of Lead Screws and Ball Screws | White Paper | Friction nut leadscrews and rolling element ballscrews are effective means of translating rotary to linear motion. They are best suited to low to medium accuracy/resolution/throughput applications. When pushed beyond those use cases, their multiplex limitations become apparent. In this white paper, we explore those limitations, providing users with guidance on what to expect, and how to decide when non-contact, direct-drive technology becomes the preferred choice. |
| Limitations of Flexures | White Paper | When one surveys the field of precision positioners intended for use in photonic automation, flexural guideways show up in a substantial number of product offerings. At first glance, they seem well suited to the task; they are simple to build, low in cost, and their limited travel seems a good fit to the application. Upon closer examination, however, the weak points of flexures multiply, and their intrinsic limitations stand out. |