Ideal for patch-clamp, electrophysiology and other high precision applications within the life sciences, this device moves at less than 1nm per step with very low mechanical drift
PiezoPatch micromanipulator (PPM5000) is described as a unique piezo-motor driven micromanipulator with ultra high resolution (<1nm/step), super low drift (<4nm/hr), and long travel range (about 10 mm/axis).
At the heart of the PiezoPatch is WPI's proprietary SonicWave piezomotor that is controlled at one arc-second (1/3600 of a degree) per step.
This angular resolution translates to a theoretical linear movement of about 0.4nm per step, an ultra high resolution that is beyond normal measurement capability using standard methods.
Another key advantage of the PiezoPatch motor is the extreme stability.
When de-energised, the SonicWave motor is completely locked with absolutely no rotation.
This locking mechanism completely eliminates mechanical drift in the micromanipulator.
This design is significantly different compared to all other types of electromagnetic motors or piezo-operated micromanipulators, which still require electric power to hold at the stopped position. Electric power can introduce electrical noise, which can interfere with experimental measurements.
Furthermore, instabilities in electrical power supply can cause drift of the micromanipulator.
Thermal drift is also caused by heat generated in the stopped motor.
These problems are said to be completely eliminated by the PiezoPatch SonicWave motor, since it does not require power to maintain its stopped position during the experiment.
One additional feature of the SonicWave motor is its extremely high output torque compared to motors of same size. This enables skip free precise movement of the micromanipulator even under heavy load.
