Why choose a flat-top motorized XY stage for advanced microscopy? 

This is the first article in a series to help you understand the benefits and different uses of all the motorized XY stage families offered by Prior Scientific. If the concept of motorization and automation in imaging is new to you, start here: Upgrade Your Microscope from Manual to Motorized with an XY Stage | PriorScientific.  

We were among the first manufacturers to offer motorized XY stages, and our range has grown into one of the largest and most diverse, catering to life science and industrial applications. It includes large-format and compact models; stages optimized  for speed, and others for high resolution and repeatability. 

What is a flat-top motorized XY stage and what are the benefits? 

A flat-top XY stage is a motorized stage that has a perfectly smooth surface around the central aperture, as the picture shows.  

Instead of a raised sample holder arrangement, there is a flat, unobstructed platform. This design makes it easier to load and access samples while maintaining compatibility with a wide range of microscope accessories such as microscope slides, multiwell plates, semiconductor wafers, metallurgical samples, or custom fixtures. It also makes it easier to load samples – a huge benefit for high-throughput applications as it saves time and improves the workflow.  

How many types of flat top stage does Prior Scientific offer?

There are three families of flat-top stages: 

• H101 flat top series: motorized XY stage for upright microscopes 
• H117 flat top series: for inverted microscopes 
• HLD117: linear motor XY stage for inverted microscopes 

What makes the ProScan H101 Flat top XY stages for upright microscopes unique? 

The H101F family of flat-top motorized XY stages, with 34 different models, is the most versatile of all the ranges. It offers four choices of configuration, as well as options compatible with popular commercial microscopes, allowing users to select exactly the combination of speed, resolution and repeatability to suit their applications.  

The 2 mm pitch ball screw variant is optimized for fast movements and is ideal for quickly scanning multiple points on a large sample. Typical applications include: 

• Automated slide scanning 
• Fluorescence imaging 
• Confocal microscopy 
• Industrial metrology
• OEM imaging systems

The 1 mm pitch ball screw variant is optimized for resolution: a reduced screw pitch doubles the available resolution for precision applications such as:  

• Super-resolution microscopy 
• High-magnification imaging
• Precision metrology
• Advanced research applications requiring fine positioning control 

Both of these configurations are available with 0.1 µm linear encoders for exceptional long-range repeatability.  

The range also offers compatibility options for over 20 commercial microscopes from Nikon, Evident, Leica, Zeiss, as well as Prior’s OpenStand imaging system: the chances are we have a stage variant to suit your microscope.  

Motorized flat-top XY stages for inverted microscopes 

Inverted microscopes are a popular choice for many applications in life sciences and industry. Because the objectives sit below the sample, there is ample space above for peripheral equipment such as micromanipulators and incubators. The flat top makes it easy to attach and monitor these devices, making the stages ideal for complex experiments. 

As well as the H117 range of inverted stepper motor stages, which also have the option of 0.1 µm linear encoders, Prior has an inverted linear motor XY stage, the HLD117. The linear motor provides constant velocity for applications such as continuous motion scanning or stitch mosaicing. With 50 nm linear encoders, it offers exceptional long-range repeatability, making it ideal for time-lapse imaging, high-content screening, and point-to-point imaging.  

Talk to the experts!

Choosing the right precision motion and automation equipment for your application can be difficult. That’s why we have a team of application experts around the world who are happy to guide you find the right equipment or arrange for a customized component.  Contact us for a no-obligation discussion.