Prior Scientific Motorised XY Stages for Nikon Microscopes
Price available on request — please contact us for a quote
Prior Scientific Microscope Automation
Motorised XY Stages for Nikon Microscopes
Motorised XY stage solutions for selected Nikon inverted, upright, stereo and industrial microscopes. Choose from entry-level OptiScan stages, precision ProScan stages, high-speed linear-motor stages and large-format industrial systems.
Every system is configured and quoted individually
Auckland Scientific will confirm the exact Nikon microscope model, substage or mounting arrangement, required travel, sample format, stage technology, controller, joystick and any focus-control components before providing a quotation.
Nikon microscope automation
Prior Scientific offers motorised stage solutions for a wide range of current and earlier-generation Nikon microscopes. Available configurations include stages for biological imaging, slide scanning, live-cell work, electrophysiology, stereo microscopy, materials inspection and semiconductor-wafer applications.
The appropriate stage is determined by the microscope platform and application. Options range from compact stepper-motor stages through to encoded ProScan systems, high-speed linear-motor stages and large-format industrial stages.
Available Prior stage technologies
Nikon inverted microscopes
Prior provides stepper-motor and linear-motor stages for selected Nikon inverted microscope platforms. Encoded and non-encoded configurations are available according to the microscope and required performance.
| Nikon platform | Available stage families | Configuration notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nikon Ti2 | H117 ProScan stepper stages and HLD117 linear-motor stages | Options for Ti2-U, Ti2-A and Ti2-E systems. Encoded and non-encoded configurations are available. |
| Nikon Ti | H117 ProScan stepper stages and HLD117 linear-motor stages | Options for Ti-U, Ti-S and Ti-E microscope configurations. |
| Nikon Ts2R | H117 ProScan stepper stages and HLD117 linear-motor stages | Motorised XY and optional focus solutions for the manual Ts2R platform. |
| Nikon TE2000 | H117 ProScan inverted stages | Different configurations are available according to the TE2000 filter-turret arrangement. |
Nikon upright microscopes
The Nikon Ni and Ci platforms can be configured with several Prior stage families. Available choices include cost-effective OptiScan stages, compact stages, precision flat-top stages, ultra-fine-stepping stages and larger multi-slide systems.
| Nikon platform | Available stage options | Important compatibility points |
|---|---|---|
| Nikon Ni | OptiScan ES111; ProScan H100, H101, H1P4 and H138 stage families | The correct stage depends on whether the microscope has an SS or SSR substage. Separate arrangements apply to the focusing-nosepiece version. |
| Nikon Ci | OptiScan ES111; ProScan H100, H101, H1P4 and H138 stage families | Compatible stage versions are selected for Nikon Ci systems fitted with the appropriate SS substage. |
| Nikon Ni with focusing nosepiece | H101-series XY stage and selected ZDeck configurations | This version requires a different arrangement from Nikon Ni microscopes that focus by moving the stage. |
| Nikon FN1 | Motorised or encoded ZDeck stage systems | Designed around the requirements of the FN1 electrophysiology platform, with compatible sample-holder and nanopositioning options. |
Nikon industrial and materials microscopes
Prior offers microscope-specific stages for Nikon industrial systems, from standard materials inspection through to large-format semiconductor-wafer scanning.
| Nikon platform | Available stage families | Typical capacity or application |
|---|---|---|
| Nikon LV100/LV150 | OptiScan ES111; ProScan H100, H101, H1P4, H138 and H105NL stage families | Materials inspection, larger samples, multi-slide work and selected industrial scanning applications. |
| Nikon L200 | ProScan H105 and H116 industrial stages | Configurations for samples and semiconductor wafers up to approximately 8 inches, subject to the selected holder and system arrangement. |
| Nikon L300 | ProScan H105, H116 and H112 large-format stages | Options for 6-inch, 8-inch and 12-inch wafer applications. Stage and condenser clearance must be checked on transmitted-light configurations. |
| Nikon MA200 | H117 ProScan inverted materials stages | Encoded and non-encoded stage options for the inverted MA200 materials microscope. |
| Nikon MA100 | Selected compact OptiScan configuration | A smaller-format configuration is available and must be selected with compatible recessed sample holders. |
Nikon stereo microscopes
Nikon SMZ18 and SMZ25
Available options include the entry-level OptiScan ES111 and several ProScan upright-stage families, including standard, flat-top, ultra-fine-stepping and large-format multi-slide configurations.
- OptiScan ES111 entry-level motorised stage
- ProScan H101 standard and flat-top stage families
- ProScan H1P4 ultra-fine-stepping stage family
- ProScan H138 large-format stage for multiple slides or larger samples
Choosing the appropriate stage
| Requirement | Stage type to consider |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective routine automation | OptiScan stage, where available for the microscope |
| Precision stepper-motor positioning | ProScan stage |
| Position feedback | Encoded ProScan configuration |
| High-speed inverted-microscope automation | HLD linear-motor stage where compatible |
| Multiple slides or larger samples | H138 or another suitable large-format stage |
| Semiconductor-wafer inspection | H105, H116 or H112 industrial stage, depending on microscope and wafer size |
Complete system configuration
A motorised stage normally forms part of a complete automation system. The final quotation may include:
- Microscope-specific motorised XY stage
- OptiScan or ProScan controller
- XY joystick
- Appropriate sample holder or stage insert
- Microscope mounting plate or adapter
- Optional motorised focus or Z-axis equipment
- Optional Z-axis joystick
- Nanopositioning stage or objective positioner where required
- Autofocus equipment where compatible
- Required connecting cables and power supply
Software control and integration
Prior motorised stages are controlled through the appropriate OptiScan III or ProScan III controller. The controller provides the connection between the stage and the selected imaging, automation or custom software platform.
Nikon NIS-Elements compatibility
Prior confirms that both the ProScan III and OptiScan III ES11 control systems can be used with Nikon NIS-Elements.
This allows compatible Prior motorised XY stages and other supported automation components to be incorporated into a Nikon imaging workflow. The appropriate NIS-Elements package, software module, controller connection and driver configuration may be required.
| Prior controller | Nikon NIS-Elements | Connection and integration |
|---|---|---|
| ProScan III | Compatible – appropriate NIS-Elements package required | USB or RS232 control, depending on the system configuration |
| OptiScan III ES11 | Listed by Prior as compatible | Controller used to operate compatible XY stages and focus mechanisms |
Python and custom software integration
Prior provides a software development kit for integrating ProScan III and OptiScan III controllers into third-party and custom software.
Prior SDK 2.0 includes a standard C/C++ DLL together with programming examples for Python, C#, C++, MATLAB and other supported development environments.
This allows a suitably experienced software developer to create Python-based control routines for compatible Prior stages and connected automation components. The required controller, communication interface, operating system, SDK version and Python environment should be confirmed for the intended project.
Additional third-party software
Prior’s microscope-components software compatibility chart also lists OptiScan and ProScan motorised XY stages with the following third-party packages:
Brochures & downloads
Specialist support from Auckland Scientific
More than a product quotation
Auckland Scientific brings more than 21 years of microscopy industry experience to the selection and supply of microscope automation equipment.
We work with customers to understand the microscope, samples, application and automation requirements before recommending a system. This helps ensure that the stage, mounting components, controller, sample holder and focus-control equipment are considered together.
Information required for quotation
- Nikon microscope model and variant
- Current stage, substage or focus configuration
- Sample type, dimensions and quantity
- Required XY travel
- Required sample holder or wafer size
- Application and intended workflow
- Encoded or non-encoded requirement, if known
- Whether motorised focus or Z-axis control is required
- Existing imaging or automation software
Discuss your Nikon microscope automation requirements
Auckland Scientific can help identify the appropriate Prior stage, controller, sample holder, focus-control equipment and supporting components for your Nikon microscope.
Installation, commissioning, training, application support and ongoing service can also be discussed as part of your project.
Request a consultation and quotationMicroscope, camera, computer and other equipment are not included unless expressly stated in the quotation. Product availability, part numbers, specifications and compatibility are subject to confirmation before ordering.