If you're new to nanopositioning stages, also called nanopositioners, you're probably excited to use them in the lab because of the high resolution they provide and the way they enhance the features of your scanning microscope. However, when it's time for you to purchase your own mechanical stage, you might not know where you should start. There are two factors in particular you need to think about in order to make a smart choice about nanopositioners; learn more about each below.

Speed

The speed you'll require your nanopositioner to have really depends on how you're going to be using the stage in your work. If your work involves living specimens, such as cells, you may very well need to have a stage that can get into position right away so that you can clearly experience what is taking place. This can be very important to your work, as your findings are more accurate due to how quickly you're able to observe things in motion. However, if your work includes more static fare, you may be able to go with a nanopositioner that is somewhat slower and at a lower price point.

Low Friction

An important stage quality to pay attention to is the amount of friction they generate. Many nanopositioners generate friction as they move, which can make the unit hot in addition to causing visual delays and wearing the entire stage down at a faster rate than it should. If you are looking for a stage that you can use year in and year out, you need to focus on the anti-friction components it has.

For instance, air bearings use air that is pressurized to glide around the stage. There is very low friction when air bearings are used, and they can be very helpful for scanning large images. If you need an anaerobic environment without air, however, you might need to select a stage with flexures instead of air bearings. Flexures can also be a low-friction solution but are better for small images.

Once you've had the chance to think clearly about these factors and how they might affect your nanopositioner purchase, start talking to professionals such as nPoint about which stages they prefer. They can give you more insight into what could be a good choice for you. You may also investigate investigate retailers to try out different stages and get a feel for what seems best.