M3-LS-1.8 Linear Smart Stage

New Scale Technologies’ M3-LS-1.8-6 direct-drive, high-precision micro-stage is built for fast, simple integration into miniature OEM systems. All drive electronics are integrated into the compact stage housing, so no external board is needed.

The piezo-driven stage has 0.5 µm resolution for precise, repeatable positioning of optics, probes, sensors, and more. Absolute encoding removes the need to home the stage on power-up, eliminating errors and disruptions in processes and experiments.

The unique linear slide has uniform and very low friction, even under high direct and side loads. Six ball bearings in a kinematic V guideway eliminate cage creep and friction spike problems common in other micro stages.

The M3-LS has high stiffness and lateral stability, no backlash, and less than 10 µm runout over its full travel range.

The stage accepts simple high-level motion commands via standard serial interface. Use the USB adapter to power and control multiple stages from a single New Scale Pathway™ software screen. Use the intuitive script generator to easily create command sequences for automated operations. The M3-LS stage can also be driven directly from your system processor via standard I²C or SPI.

The M3-LS linear smart stage needs only 3.3 V_DC and uses less than 0.75 W, typical, when moving. It can be powered by USB or standard batteries. The integrated piezo motor holds position without using power. The internal electronics can be switched to sleep mode for extreme low-power applications.