Product Customizations

The Challenge: In applications like materials science and semiconductor inspection, larger or irregularly shaped samples can be difficult to position under a standard microscope. Fixed microscope frames don't have enough vertical clearance for larger parts and flat XY stages do not tilt or rotate the sample to expose all observable surfaces. While engineers might consider adding a hexapod stage, they are often cost-prohibitive. The Outcome: The configuration shown above delivers flexible, 6-axis sample manipulation at a fraction of the cost of a hexapod. The entire setup is fully programmable via Zaber’s open-source API or Zaber Launcher apps; in this case, a Python routine orchestrates multi-angle scan sequences to collect thousands of data points while triggering third-party cameras or lasers using built-in TTL inputs/outputs. The Engineering Approach: To provide high-travel multi-axis motion, Zaber combined the modular Nucleus® microscope platform with an integrated stack of off-the-shelf precision stages: Imaging with Adjustable Clearance: A modified MSR microscope using an extended version of the support column. The core can be repositioned to accommodate samples of varying sizes Positioning: An LDA vertical stage integrated into the microscope core provides high precision focusing. The sample platform achieves angular and rotary motion by stacking two X-GSM goniometers (for tip/tilt control) onto an X-RSM rotary stage . This set up is then stacked onto high precision XY microscope stage. Simplified Integration & Wiring: Every stage features an integrated driver and controller. The entire multi-axis system daisy-chains together, sharing power and data over a single cable to minimize clutter.

May 19, 2026

Automated Microscopes

The Challenge: Whether in live cell imaging, semiconductor wafer inspection, or other types of microscopy, microscope users often need to acquire data from two detectors as quickly as possible. Zaber has supported many customers requiring dual camera microscope systems. The three most common reasons are: Higher-Speed: Eliminating mechanical filter switching maximizes imaging throughput. For example, simultaneous imaging of two different fluorophores is essential for investigating rapid processes in live cells. Hyperspectral Imaging: Imaging across an expanded spectral range often requires multiple detectors. The performance of cameras optimized for the visible spectrum falls off beyond 750 nm (Fig. 1). Conversely, cameras which excel well at long wavelengths, do not perform as well in the visible spectrum. A two camera system delivers the best of both worlds. Multi-Mode: Multiple detectors on a single microscope frame can greatly increase a system’s versatility without the need to purchase an entire second microscope. A single system can combine a colour camera for slide scanning with a monochrome camera for fluorescence, or pair a standard camera with more exotic detectors (like SPAD arrays or spectrometers) to easily locate regions of interest. Figure 1. Quantum Efficiency curves of one camera optimized for maximum sensitivity in the visible spectrum (blue curve), and one which trades reduced peak QE for sensitivity over a much larger range of wavelengths (red curve). The Solution: To support two detectors on a single microscope, Zaber created a variant of our MTC tube lens and camera mount module which houses a beam splitter to create two optical paths (Fig. 2). Full compatibility with our Nucleus microscope platform ensures seamless integration into existing automated microscopy workflows. Customers can use a range of different beam splitters including: A 50/50 filter to evenly split the emission wavelengths to both cameras (Fig. 2 A). High or Low pass filters to send specific ranges of wavelengths between the two cameras (Fig. 2 B). A 0/100 filter to transmit or reflect all wavelengths to one or the other camera (Fig. 2 C, D). Figure 2. The optical path can be configured with a beam splitter (A) to send all wavelengths to both paths, or a dichroic mirror (B) to send specific wavelengths to different paths. By inserting or removing a 0/100 mirror (C, D), all light can be directed to one path or the other. Zaber’s dual camera mount supports a range of different cameras and detectors. Options are available for C-mount, F-mount, M42, TFL, SM1, SM2 and Thorlabs cage mount. When pixel-level alignment between the two camera image sensors is required, fine manual adjustment of XY and ፀ is available. The Engineering Approach: Zaber’s dual camera mount is a drop-in replacement for MTC90 and MTC00 tube lens and camera mount assemblies. This allows existing Nucleus microscope systems to be upgraded. The dual camera mount module uses a DFM1/M Thorlabs 30mm cage cube to house a standard 25 mm x 36 mm beam splitter or dichroic. The optic can be manually moved in and out of the optical path.

Jun. 26, 2026

Automated Microscopes

This image shows a custom 2 axis system consisting of two 100 mm travel LRT-AEC linear stages and a RST240B-E Series rotary table for high load vertical and rotary positioning. The LRT stages use the lockstep synchronization feature of the X-MCC to move together for improved load capacity and stiffness. A custom base plate for the RST240 allows for flexible mounting and full access through the 101.6 mm aperture.

Oct. 27, 2023

Linear Stages | Rotary Stages | XY & XYZ Motorized Stages

This custom 3-axis ControlCube is ideal for XYZ applications requiring fine displacement control. The intuitive layout permits precise and smooth manual operation for motorized systems, such as micromanipulators and microscope stages. The ControlCube offers similar functionality to Zaber's standard device knobs, providing much finer control. It works with modified Zaber stand-alone controllers and devices with built-in controllers, which are customized with a locking connector in place of the manual knob. The ControlCube can be paired with a standard joystick (X-JOY3) to add programmable buttons for varying the displacement increments of the dials or toggling between displacement and velocity control modes.

Mar. 19, 2022

Automated Microscopes | Automated Microscopes (old) | Controllers & Joysticks | Direct Drive Stages | Motorized Microscope Stages | XY & XYZ Motorized Stages | ASR

This system shows the variety of non-standard accessories Zaber can customize for an application. Brackets, cable tracking, and an optical breadboard are combined with a variety of standard linear stages that best meet application requirements. To discuss your set-up, please contact the applications engineering team at contact@zaber.com.

Mar. 19, 2022

XY & XYZ Motorized Stages

This NA14B60-T4 linear actuator features a compact circular connector; whereas, the standard model uses a D-SUB15 connector for the motor and sensor cable.

Mar. 19, 2022

Linear Actuators

Zaber is happy to offer customized ASR inserts to fit your application. In this case, a customer needed to automate transferring samples from a slide to different wells in a well plate, and there were no standard inserts that would hold both at once. We customized an AM152 aluminum insert for the ASR205B205B so that it can hold an AM142 microscope slide insert and an AM109 multiwell plate insert.

Mar. 19, 2022

Automated Microscopes | Automated Microscopes (old) | Motorized Microscope Stages

This custom-built frame provides a rigid base for two stages to be mounted in an XZ configuration. The frame was designed to minimize unwanted movement during acceleration and deceleration. Mounting frames can be tailored to fit an application's load, mounting, and spatial requirements.

Mar. 19, 2022

XY & XYZ Motorized Stages

This image shows a custom large platform vertical stage consisting of two 75 mm travel LRQ-EC stages and an AP181 adaptor. The LRQ stages use the lockstep synchronization feature of the X-MCC to move together. This system is well suited for vertical applications requiring increased travel lengths or high stiffness. Longer travel lengths are available.

Mar. 19, 2022

Linear Stages | Vertical Stages

The standard T-NA08A50 linear actuator features a compact built-in controller. A version without the controller is available upon request for cases in which more power is needed or the application requires a third-party controller.

Mar. 19, 2022

Linear Actuators