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OpenStage: a low-cost motorized microscope stage with sub-micron positioning accuracy.

Robert A A Campbell1, Robert W Eifert1, Glenn C Turner1

  • 1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America.

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|March 4, 2014
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Summary

Researchers developed an affordable, open-source 3-axis motorized stage for multiphoton microscopy. This "OpenStage" solution offers high precision and customization for functional optical imaging, costing under $1000.

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Area of Science:

  • Life Sciences
  • Optical Imaging
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Functional optical imaging is advancing due to new intracellular calcium sensors and fluorophores.
  • Home-built multiphoton microscopes offer cost-effectiveness and customization.
  • Commercial motorized stages for microscopy are expensive and lack firmware flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present an open-source, low-cost, and customizable 3-axis motorized stage solution for multiphoton microscopy.
  • To detail the construction and performance of the "OpenStage" controller and motorization hardware.
  • To provide an alternative to expensive commercial motorization systems.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized high-quality stepper motors instead of linear actuators to reduce hardware costs.
  • Assembled electronics from readily available hobby components.
  • Developed a controller with a hand-held control-pad and PC serial port interface.

Main Results:

  • Achieved positioning repeatability of approximately 1 μm in the X/Y axes and 0.1 μm in the Z axis.
  • Enabled precise stage motion control over a wide speed range (0.1 to 100 μm·s⁻¹).
  • Demonstrated functionality for storing/recalling locations and executing fixed-size jumps.

Conclusions:

  • The "OpenStage" provides a cost-effective (<$1000) and highly customizable solution for multiphoton microscopy stage motorization.
  • The system offers precise positioning and flexible control options, suitable for various imaging applications.
  • The open-source design allows for adaptation to other laboratory equipment, such as micro-manipulators.