Example Applications

Confocal Microscopy
High-Resolution Optical Microscopy
Electrophysiology
Cell Injection
Scanning Probe Microscopy

ScienceDesks are high-quality ergonomic workstations with a modular system of accessories, making them ideal for use in imaging applications. The active-air and passive anti-vibration frame options provide the user with a tabletop that is isolated from the detrimental effects that vibrations in the lab may cause. The tabletop is also protected from incidental contact because it rests inside the frame's outer rails. Thorlabs offers stainless steel tabletops with or without a regularly spaced mounting holes. The upper and lower rails on the ScienceDesk frame allow the user to strategically place shelves and other accessories around an imaging system so that supporting equipment can be in close proximity to the isolated surface without being on it.
A corner option is also available which fits in the corner of the lab/room. These corner option desks are available with either active or heavy duty passive isolation or rigid non-isolating supports. They are supplied complete with our best, PerformancePlus series breadboard and are compatible with 2' (600 mm) deep lab furniture.

Each of the links below leads to a page that has all of the components needed to construct a complete workstation around the frame chosen.

Start By Selecting a Frame Type and Size

Right Side From Top to Bottom: Pisum Seed (Two Channel Fluorescence Image), Mouse Intestine (Two Photon Fluorescence Image), Mosquito Larva (Laser Scanning Microscopy), Peach Worm Head (Confocal Fluorescence Image), Cracked Drug Bead Coating (OCT Image)

Active-Air Anti-Vibration Microscopy Tables

Highest Performance in the ScienceDesk Product Line
Isolates Common Lab Noise Sources by Greater Than 97%
Horizontal and Vertical Vibrations are Damped
Self-Leveling to within 0.5 mm (0.020")
Ideally Suited for the Most Sensitive Imaging Applications
Requires a Constant Source of Compressed Air, Such as from a Compressor
Load Capacity: 1545 lbs (700 kg)

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 1.20 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

5' x 6'
(1.5 m x 1.8 m)

Passive Anti-Vibration Tables

Reduces Common Sources of Lab Noise by Greater Than 84%
Does Not Require a Constant Source of Compressed Air
An Excellent Solution for Many Imaging Applications
Load Capacity

Standard Frame: 50 - 570 lbs (24 - 260 kg)
Heavy-Duty Frame: 300 - 1545 lbs (135 - 700 kg)

2' x 3'
(0.60 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 1.20 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

Rigid Tables

Perfect for Applications Not Requiring Vibration Isolation
Load Capacity: 1545 lbs (700 kg)

2' x 3'
(0.60 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 1.20 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

Corner Tables

Space-Saving Design Fits in the Corner of the Lab
Choice of Active-Air, Heavy Duty Passive, and Rigid Isolation
Supplied Complete with Breadboard
0.7 m² (2.3 ft²) Work Surface Area
Compatible with 2' (600 mm) Deep Lab Furniture
Load Capacity: 1160 lbs (525 kg)

Active-Air
Corner Desk

Heavy-Duty
Passive Corner Desk

Rigid
Corner Desk

Please use the chart on the right only as a guideline for choosing the correct frame. Environmental factors are as critical as the application when choosing a workstation. Our Technical Support department can provide a personalized recommendation based on your application and laboratory environment. Right side of image from top to bottom: Pisum Seed (Two-Channel Fluorescence Image), Mouse Intestine (Two-Photon Fluorescence Image), Mosquito Larva (Developmental Adaptive Optic Laser Scanning Microscopy), Peach Worm Head (Confocal Fluorescence Image), Cracked Drug Bead Coating (OCT Image).

Active Air Self-Leveling ScienceDesks

transmissibility curve for active isolation sciencedesks

Passive ScienceDesks

Compliance curve for passive isolation scienceDesks

Self-Leveling ScienceDesk Frames are greater than 97% efficient at damping vertical and horizontal vibrations at frequencies of 10 Hz or more. This is the highest level of isolation available in the ScienceDesk line of workstations. Vertical damping is achieved by the use of a dual-chamber, damped pneumatic spring. The table is supported by the air pressure in these chambers. A piston, clamped to the bottom of the table, is sealed to the upper chamber with a rolling rubber diaphragm, allowing virtually friction-free motion between piston and chamber. Floor or tabletop motion forces air to flow from one chamber to the other through a high-resistance damper. This restriction of airflow damps oscillatory motion between the floor and table, dramatically reducing settling time. The volume ratio of the chambers has been optimized to minimize the resonant frequency of the ScienceDesk frame while maximizing the damping performance for our complete range of ScienceDesk tabletops. Damping of horizontal vibrations is accomplished by supporting the pneumatic vertical isolator on a Trifilar suspension system. This innovative pendulum design uses gravity to provide the restoring force after horizontal disturbances. Horizontal oscillations at the system’s resonant frequency are damped by linking the base of the vertical isolator to the outer cylinder with an oil-free vibration-absorbing damper. To allow for changes in load distribution, the active-air ScienceDesk has a self-leveling system based on precision three-Way valves that do not compromise vertical isolation when the system is at rest. Because these valves are actuated by tabletop movement, the system returns to its original level position within ±0.02" (0.5 mm) after disturbances. The tabletop height can be adjusted over a range of 26 mm (1.02 in.) and can be used to compensate for an uneven floor in addition to the leveling feet on the ScienceDesk frame. The self-leveling ScienceDesk requires a constant source of pressurized air, which is easily supplied using a compressor.

Passive ScienceDesk Frames are greater than 84% efficient at damping vertical vibrations at frequencies of 10 Hz or more. The standard version has been optimized for typical imaging applications while a heavy-duty version is available for applications that require a large load to be placed on the isolated tabletop. The pneumatic isolators on these frames consist of an air chamber with a rolling-rubber sidewall. The pneumatic isolators in the Anti-Vibration ScienceDesk Frame do not require a constant air supply once inflated with a simple air pump (PTA127).

Rigid ScienceDesk Frames do not have pneumatic isolators so the tabletop surface will not be isolated from floor vibrations. However, they are commonly used in laboratory environments for applications that are not overly sensitive to vibrations.

Active-Air Anti-Vibration Microscopy Tables	SDA7590	SDA75120	SDA90120	SDA150180
Tabletop Working Surface Size	750 mm x 900 mm (2.5' x 3')	750 mm x 1200 mm (2.5' x 4')	900 mm x 1200 mm (3' x 4')	1500 mm x 1800 mm (5' x 6')
Vertical Resonant Frequency*	1.5 Hz
Horizontal Resonant Frequency*	1.4 Hz
Vertical Transmissibility at Resonance*	13 dB
Horizontal Transmissibility at Resonance	21 dB
Vertical Transmissibility @ 10 Hz	-29 dB (97% Damping of Vibrations)
Horizontal Transmissibility @ 10 Hz	-27 dB (97% Damping of Vibrations)
Load Capacity	1540 lbs (700 kg)
Self-Leveling Repeatability	±0.02" (0.5 mm)
Maximum Isolator Air Pressure	80 psi (551 kPa)
Height	800 mm (31.5")
Leveling Feet Height Adjustment Range	±15 mm (0.59")
Outer Frame Dimensions (Depth x Width)	945 mm x 1095 mm (3.1' x 3.6')	945 mm x 1395 mm (3.1' x 4.6')	1095 mm x 1395 mm (3.6' x 4.6')	1695 mm x 1995 mm (3.6' x 4.6')
Frame Weight (Mass)	165 lbs (75 kg)	173.8 lbs (79 kg)	178.2 lbs (81 kg)	178.2 lbs (81 kg)
Passive Anti-Vibration Microscopy Tables, Standard	SDP6090	SDP7590	SDP75120	SDP90120
Optical Breadboard Working Surface Size	600 mm x 900 mm (2' x 3')	750 mm x 900 mm (2.5' x 3')	750 mm x 1200 mm (2.5' x 4')	900 mm x 1200 mm (3' x 4')
Vertical Resonant Frequency*	3.5 Hz
Vertical Transmissibility at Resonance*	24 dB
Vertical Transmissibility at 10 Hz*	-16 dB (84% Damping of Vibrations)
Load Capacity	50 to 570 lbs (24 to 260 kg)
Maximum Isolator Air Pressure	72 psi (496 kPa)
Height	800 mm (31.5")
Leveling Feet Height Adjustment Range	±15 mm (0.59")
Outer Frame Dimensions (Depth x Width)	795 mm x 1095 mm (2.6' x 3.6')	945 mm x 1095 mm (3.1' x 3.6')	945 mm x 1395 mm (3.1' x 4.6')	1095 mm x 1395 mm (3.6' x 4.6')
Frame Weight (Mass)	140.8 lbs (64 kg)	146.3 lbs (66.5 kg)	154 lbs (70 kg)	162.8 lbs (74 kg)

Passive Anti-Vibration Microscopy Tables, Heavy-Duty		SDH7590	SDH75120	SDH90120
Optical Breadboard Working Surface Size		750 mm x 900 mm (2.5' x 3')	750 mm x 1200 mm (2.5' x 4')	900 mm x 1200 mm (3' x 4')
Vertical Resonant Frequency*		3.5 Hz
Vertical Transmissibility at Resonance*		24 dB
Vertical Transmissibility at 10 Hz*		-16 dB (84% Damping of Vibrations)
Load Capacity		300 to 1540 lbs (135 to 700 kg)
Maximum Isolator Air Pressure		72 psi (496 kPa)
Height		800 mm (31.5")
Leveling Feet Height Adjustment Range		±15 mm (0.59")
Outer Frame Dimensions (Depth x Width)		945 mm x 1095 mm (3.1' x 3.6')	945 mm x 1395 mm (3.1' x 4.6')	1095 mm x 1395 mm (3.6' x 4.6')
Frame Weight (Mass)		148.5 lbs (67.5 kg)	156.2 lbs (71 kg)	165 lbs (75 kg)

Rigid Microscopy Tables	SDR6090	SDR7590	SDR75120	SDR90120
Optical Breadboard Working Surface Size	600 mm x 900 mm (2' x 3')	750 mm x 900 mm (2.5' x 3')	750 mm x 1200 mm (2.5' x 4')	900 mm x 1200 mm (3' x 4')
Load Capacity	1540 lbs (700 kg)
Height	800 mm (31.5")
Leveling Feet Height Adjustment Range	±15 mm (0.59")
Outer Frame Dimensions (Depth x Width)	795 mm x 1095 mm (2.6' x 3.6')	945 mm x 1095 mm (3.1' x 3.6')	945 mm x 1395 mm (3.1' x 4.6')	1095 mm x 1395 mm (3.6' x 4.6')
Frame Weight (Mass)	138.6 lbs (63 kg)	144.1 lbs (65.5 kg)	151.8 lbs (69 kg)	160.6 lbs (73 kg)
Corner Tables with Breadboard		Active-Air SDAC3636 (SDAC9090)	HD Passive SDHC3636 (SDHC9090)	Rigid SDRC3636 (SDRC9090)
Optical Breadboard Working Surface Area		Metric 0.69 m² Imperial 0.71m²
Vertical Resonant Frequency*		1.5 Hz	3.5 Hz	N/A
Vertical Transmissibility at Resonance*		13 dB	24 dB	N/A
Vertical Transmissibility at 10 Hz*		-29 dB (84% Damping of Vibrations)	16 dB (84% Damping of Vibrations)	N/A
Load Capacity		1160 lbs (525 kg)
Maximum Isolator Air Pressure		80 psi (551 kPa)	72 psi (496 kPa)	N/A
Height		800 mm (31.5")
Leveling Feet Height Adjustment Range		±15 mm (0.59")
Outer Frame Dimensions (Depth x Width)		1095 mm x 1095 mm (3.6' x 3.6')	1095 mm x 1095 mm (3.6' x 3.6')	1095 mm x 1095 mm (3.6' x 3.6')
Frame Weight (Mass) including Breadboard		327.8 lbs (149 kg)	312.4 lbs (142 kg)	303.6 lbs (138 kg)

* These specifications were measured at the maximum load capacity for the isolator type. See the compliance curves above.
For more information on vibration isolation please see our Vibration Isolation Tutorial.

Features

Durable Laminant Finish on Shelving
Display and Computer Options
Cross-Compatible with Industry Standard Ø1.5" Posts and Clamps
Easy to Assemble and Reconfigure

The ScienceDesks Accessories are the key to creating an ergonomic workspace. In order to create a functional, efficient, and comfortable workspace, the supporting equipment must be placed strategically around the imaging system so that it it is in the field of view of the user and can be used or manipulated without excessive bending, twisting, or reaching. ScienceDesk accessories are designed to provide the flexibility to place a working surface or instrument shelf at any position above, below, or to the side of the imaging system. In addition to shelving, ScienceDesks can be equiped with brackets and holders to support computer equipment, casters for mobilty, and a wrist rest for comfort. Accessory mounting points all along the top rail make it easy to customize your workstation.

Shelves for ScienceDesk Workstations

3D workspace accessory for ScienceDesk Workstations

Side Shelves

3d workspace accessory for ScienceDesk Workstation

Overhead Shelves

Instrument Shelf

Sample Preparation Shelf for ScienceDesks

Sample Preparation
Shelves

Under Shelf for ScienceDesk Workstations

Under Shelves

Computer Shelf

Additional Accessories for ScienceDesk Workstations

Wrist Rest

Articulated LCD
Display Mount

Casters
(Set of Four)

Additional Posts for ScienceDesk Workstations

Additional Mounting
Posts for Accessories

Air Pump and
Compressor

To build a workstation, choose a frame below to see it and all of the accessories that can be used with it.

Active-Air Anti-Vibration Microscopy Tables

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

5' x 6'
(1.5 m x 1.8 m)

Passive Anti-Vibration Tables

2' x 3'
(0.60 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

Rigid Tables

2' x 3'
(0.60 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

Corner Tables

Active-Air
Corner Desk

Heavy-Duty
Passive Corner Desk

Rigid
Corner Desk

PerformancePlus Series	Stiffest tabletop with the highest level of dampening.
Performance Series (Solid or Tapped Hole Top Surface)	Stiff tabletop with good dampening, offering a balance of cost and performance.

Alternative tabletops are available, including thicker, non-magnetic steel, and lightweight aluminum models.

Features

Excellent Surface Flatness up to ±0.1 mm Over any 0.3 m²
Athermalized Design for Excellent Thermal Stability
Dual Layer, Honeycombed Structure

Damps Vibrations Created on the Tabletop
Supports Large Loads Without Deforming

PerformancePlus Series

The PerformancePlus tabletops (breadboards) incorporate a triple plate (top, bottom and middle), double-honeycomb design, providing stiffness and excellent dynamic rigidity. The top layer consists of a stainless steel top plate and a secondary steel plate, separated by a honeycomb-like structure that also seals off the tapped holes in the top plate from the interior volume of the tabletop. The second layer consists of a steel honeycomb structure and the stainless steel bottom plate. The honeycomb core is fabricated from strips of precision-formed plated steel, which are bonded together with a high tensile strength epoxy adhesive. This, combined with the athermalized design and excellent surface flatness, makes the PerformancePlus series the best choice for most vibration sensitive applications.

Performance Series

The Performance series of tabletops is available with solid top surface or with a tapped grid of mounting holes. Both versions incorporate a double plate (top and bottom), single-honeycomb design, that provides excellent stiffness and dynamic rigidity. The honeycomb core is fabricated from strips of precision-formed plated steel, which are bonded together with a high tensile strength epoxy adhesive.

Product	PerformancePlus	Performance	Performance, Solid Surface
Finish & Construction
Breadboard thickness	60 mm (2.4")
Flatness, Ove Any 0.3 m²	±0.10 mm (±0.004")	±0.15 mm (±0.006")	±0.15 mm (±0.006")
Construction	Athermalized, Triple-Plate, Double Honeycomb-Core	Athermalized, Double-Plate, Single-Honeycomb Core
Top and Bottom Plates	5 mm (3/16") Thick, Magnetic Stainless Steel
Main Core	High-Density Plated Steel Honeycomb
Intermediate Core	13 mm (0.15")Thick Plated Steel Sealing Cup Cell Size: ~1.6 cm² (0.25 in²)	n/a
Damping	Enhanced Proprietary Damping	Proprietary Broadband Damping
Sides	Black, Laminated-Steel Sides, Slightly Inset
Finish	Top Plate is Brush Finished
Mounting Holes
Metric	M6 Tapped on 25 mm Centers		Solid Surface
Imperial	1/4"-20 Tapped Holes on 1" Centers		Solid Surface
Distance from Edge to First Hole
Metric	50 mm on All Sides		Solid Surface
Imperial	2.0" on All Sides		Solid Surface

To build a workstation, choose a frame below to see it and all of the accessories that can be used with it.

Active-Air Anti-Vibration Microscopy Tables

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

5' x 6'
(1.5 m x 1.8 m)

Passive Anti-Vibration Tables

2' x 3'
(0.60 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

Rigid Tables

2' x 3'
(0.60 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 3'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

2.5' x 4'
(0.75 m x 0.90 m)

3' x 4'
(0.90 m x 1.20 m)

Corner Tables

Active-Air
Corner Desk

Heavy-Duty
Passive Corner Desk

Rigid
Corner Desk

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Posted Comments:

Poster: cdaly

Posted Date: 2012-11-27 13:44:13.127

Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our feedback feature. Yes, compressed air will work fine, but we recommend using a compressor which will utilize a filter, if at all possible, to keep out any particulates from the system. Our PTA512 for example would work with these tables.

Poster: cynthia.breckenridge

Posted Date: 2012-11-27 07:39:42.52

what type of gas is required for the active-air floating" tables?...compressed air? Thanks

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ScienceDesks: Anti-Vibration Workstations for Imaging Applications

Example Applications

Start By Selecting a Frame Type and Size

Active Air Self-Leveling ScienceDesks

Passive ScienceDesks

Features

Shelves for ScienceDesk Workstations

Additional Accessories for ScienceDesk Workstations

Features