mesoSPIM_V4_sample_xyz_stages

Setting up the sample XYZ stages

Overview

Overview of the mesoSPIM V4 sample stages: The travel range of the V4 sample stages is currently 44.5 mm × 100 mm × 44.5 mm (X/Y/Z). The stages are produced by Physik Instrumente, Germany: M-112K033 (for X & Z movement), L-406.40DG10 (Y movement), M-116.DG (sample rotation) and controlled by a C-884 controller. The sample XYZ & rotation stages are mounted on a massive aluminum block (150×65×300 mm3) that has a central hole for the detection objective (termed the ‘bird house’). A drawing of the bird house can be found here

Step-by-step guide

Attach a X95 carrier/corner connector to the bottom of the bird house

Mount the bird house on a FLS95 rail

Mount the large mounting bracket on the bird house

Add pins for the L-406 Linear Stage to the mounting bracket:

Mount the L-406 stage

Add pins for the smaller mounting bracket:

Mount the bracket -- this might require some nudging & force:

Mount the X & Z stages

The X & Z stages are M-112K033 stages with 44.5 mm travel range. The stage position can be moved manually by inserting a hex key into the stages:

Attach the stages as follows:

Mount the adapter plate to the M-116 rotation stage:

Mount the M-116 adapter to the M-116 stage and attach it to the Z-Stage (M-112K033)

Use 3x M2.5 6 mm cap screws.

Attach the magnetic sample holder

Attach the cables to the birdhouse

Additional strain relief might be useful:

Wire the stages to the controller

Cable assignment to channels is as follows:

• 1st axis: M-112K033 ("X")
• 2nd Axis: L-406.40DG10 ("Y")
• 3rd axis: M-112K033 ("Z")
• 4th axis: M-116.DG ("Rotation")
• 5th axis: M-406.4PD ("Focus")

The 5th axis ("Focus") is set up as part of the detection system. In case the detection system is not set up yet, you can test & and connect the M-406 stage without integrating it into the system.

Getting the PI stages to work

• open PI Micro Move
• connect a C-884 with the correct serial number
• Assign axes:
  • 1st axis: M-112K033
  • 2nd Axis: L-406.40DG10
  • 3rd axis: M-112K033
  • 4th axis: M-116.DG
  • 5th axis: M-406.4PD
• Save settings permanently on the controllername
• Select all axes
• Hit Automatic for automatic referencing
• Switch on Servos and start referencing
• Set velocities:
  • M-112K033: 1.5 mm/s
  • L-406.40DG10: 3 mm/s
  • M-116.DG: 10 deg/s
  • M-406.4PD: 15 mm/s
• move all linear stages to positions close to the center
  • M-112K033: 22.5 mm
  • L-406.40DG10: 50 mm
  • M-406.4PD: 50 mm
• close Micromove
• ⚠️ For mesoSPIM-control to work, the same axis / stage assignments have to be set in the microscope configuration file!