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High-Speed Motorized XY Scanning Stages![]()
MLS203-1 Stage Shown Mounted to a Nikon MLS203-1 Shown with MLS203P2 Slide Holder. Related Items ![]() Please Wait ![]() A typical XY stage setup is comprised of an MLS203 stage, BBD202 XY Stage controller, MJC001 2-Axis Joystick, and inverted Olympus microscope. Features
Thorlabs' MLS203 stages have been designed as drop-in replacements for the manual stages found on select Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss, and Cerna® microscopes to provide motorized XY positioning of microscopy samples. A complete stage package consists of the stage itself, a controller, mounting brackets, and optional accessories; all of these items need to be purchased separately (typical XY stage setup is shown to the right). The table below outlines the items that should be purchased to form a stage package compatible with a particular microscope. Alternatively, optional mounting brackets (Item # MLSA01) enable the MLS203-1 stage to be bolted to an optical table or breadboard as part of a custom-built microscope setup or for use in typical photonics applications. Characterized by high-speed scanning capabilities and high positional accuracy, these stages are ideal for manually or automatically positioning a wide range of specimens and samples in many types of microscopy or imaging techniques and applications. Very precise manual fine positioning and control at the cellular level is easily achieved through the combination of a stable closed-loop control system and an associated joystick option. In addition, the stages can be combined with our Z-Axis Piezo Stage to form an XYZ stage ideally suited for laser scanning microscopy. The motorized stage techology is covered by US patent 8,575,792. Controller Option Specimen Holders and Accessories Complete Microscope Stage Assemblies
MLS203 XY Scanning Stage Pin Out DescriptionsMotor DriveMale
Encoder FeedbackD-Type Male
MLS203 Coltroller (BBD202) Pin Out DescriptionsMotor DriveFemale
FeedbackD-Type Female
User I/OD-Type Male
Aux I/OD-Type Female
HandsetMini DIN Female
InterconnectD-Type Male
![]() Using the MLS203 XY Stage with the Meta Imaging SeriesThe BBD202 controller for our MLS203 XY stage is compatible with the Meta Imaging Series software from Molecular Devices. The Meta Series includes MetaMorph NX, MetaMorph, MetaFluor, and MetaVue. The following images (taken from Meta Imaging Series version 7.8) show how to configure the software to control the XY stage. ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 1: From one of the Meta Imaging Series programs, open the Meta Imaging Series Administrator. To configure the stage, click "Configure Hardware." ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 2: To set up the stage, click "Install System Devices." ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 3: Browse through the list on the left and find and highlight Thorlabs; then click "Install." From the Installed Devices list on the right, select Thorlabs and then click "Settings". ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 4: Ensure that "Thorlabs X" and "Thorlabs Y" are listed in the included components, then click "Show Version Information." ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 5: Confirm that the details are correct as shown above, and then click OK (if multiple windows appear, click OK on each one). You will return to the "Configure Hardware" window shown in step 2. Now Click "Configure Devices." ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 6: Select Thorlabs from the list of available devices and click "Add>>." ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 7: Check that both "Thorlabs X" and "Thorlabs Y" are listed in the "Claimed Devices" column, and then click "OK" until all the program windows are closed. ![]() Click to Enlarge Step 8: Open the Meta Imaging Series software program installed on your computer from All Programs under the Start Menu. In the "Devices" menu select "Stage," and different types of movements are listed. The screenshots below show, from left to right, absolute position movement settings, scanning movement settings, and relative position movement settings. ![]() Click to Enlarge Absolute Position Movement Settings ![]() Click to Enlarge Scanning Movement Settings ![]() Click to Enlarge Relative Position Movement Settings Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System). The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware. ![]() Kinesis GUI Screen ![]() APT GUI Screen Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware. By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface. The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice. A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos. SoftwareKinesis Version 1.14.25 The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers. Also Available:
These videos illustrate some of the basics of using the APT System Software from both a non-programming and a programming point of view. There are videos that illustrate usage of the supplied APT utilities that allow immediate control of the APT controllers out of the box. There are also a number of videos that explain the basics of programming custom software applications using Visual Basic, LabView and Visual C++. Watch the videos now to see what we mean.
To further assist programmers, a guide to programming the APT software in LabView is also available.
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These XY scanning stages are drop-in replacements for the manual stages found on select microscopes, and provide motorized XY positioning of microscopy samples. The MLS203-1 is compatible with Thorlabs' Cerna® microscopes, as well as inverted and upright microscopes from Nikon and Olympus (see the table in the Overview tab above). Adapter brackets can be purchased separately that enable the stage to be fitted to a particular microscope. Tabletop mounting brackets (Item # MLSA01) are also available that enable the stage to be bolted to an optical table or breadboard as part of a custom built microscope setup or for use in typical photonics applications (see below for more details). The MLS203-2 is directly compatible with Zeiss Axio Observer and Axiovert 40 microscopes. Mounting brackets are not required. ![]() The BBD202 two-channel controller features Thorlabs' standard APT™ control and programming interface, enabling easy integration into automated microscopy applications. It is ideal for applications demanding operation at high speeds (hundreds of mm/s) and high encoder resolution (<100 nm). For greater flexibility, communication with a PC is supported using either a USB or RS232 serial interface. The controller is supplied with a software development kit (SDK) in order to support automated PC control of the stage. This is useful to system integrators and other automation specialists who need to combine operation of the stage with other microscopy automation accessories. The fully documented SDK supports all major development languages running on Windows, such as LabVIEW, C++, and Matlab, and comes in the form of ActiveX libraries or a conventional dynamic link library (DLL). USB 1.1 connectivity provides easy, plug-and-play PC operation. Multiple units can be connected to a single PC via standard USB hub technology; for example, both the BBD202 controller for the MLS203 XY stage and the controller with our MZS500-E Z-axis piezo stage kit can be operated simultaneously with a single PC. Combining this feature with the user-friendly APT™ software allows the user to program and carry out complex move sequences quickly. For more details on the BBD202 controller, please see the Specs tab above or the full presentation for our brushless DC controllers. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203-1 Stage with MLS203P2 Slide Holder on CSA1000 Fixed Arm for Attachment to a Cerna Microscope Body (All Sold Separately) We offer a choice of brackets to facilitate mounting the MLS203-1 stage to a range of upright and inverted microscopes from Thorlabs, Nikon, and Olympus. Please see the table below for specific compatibility. We also offer brackets that allow the MLS203-1 stage to be attached to imperial or metric breadboards for home-built microscopes or general photonics applications. Each bracket (with the exception of the CSA1000) comes with instructions describing how to attach the stage to the microscope. Please note that the MLS203-2 stage can be bolted directly to a Zeiss Axio Observer or Axiovert without the need for brackets.
![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203-1 Stage Attached to a Breadboard with our MLSA01 Bracket Set
![]() MLS203P2
![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with MLS203P2 Petri Dish/Slide Holder Fitted ![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with MLS203P2 Mounted on Inverted Microscope
C4SH01
![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with C4SH01 Slide Holder Tray (Requires the MLS203P1 Plate Adapter, Sold Below) ![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with C4SH01 in an MLS203P1 Plate Adapter Mounted on Inverted Microscope
MLS203P10
![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with MLS203P10 Multi Slide Holder, Holding Four Slides ![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with MLS203P10 Multi-Slide Holder Mounted on Inverted Microscope
MLS203P11
![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with MLS203P11 Slide Holder, Holding a Slide and 18 mm Square Test Target ![]() Click to Enlarge MLS203 Stage with MLS203P11 Recessed Slide Holder Mounted on Upright Microscope ![]() These accessory plates can also be mounted on rigid stands for flexible positioning around the light path. MLS203P1 Multiwell Plate Adapter
MLS203P3 Blank Adapter Plate
MLS203P4 and MLS203P5 Breadboard
Application Example 1
Application Example 2
Application Example 3
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The MJC001 Joystick Console has been designed for microscope users and provides intuitive, tactile, manual positioning of a stage. The console features a two-axis joystick for XY control. In most applications, the default parameter settings saved within the controller allow the joystick to be used out-of-the-box with no need for further setup. This operation mode eliminates the need for connection to a host PC and allows for true remote operation. The MJC001 is compatible with our Benchtop Brushless Controllers, Rack-Mounted Brushless Controller, and Stepper Motor Controllers. The joystick is shipped complete with cables for use with these controllers. If you intend to use the joystick with a legacy BBD10x series unit, please contact Tech Support for a compatible cable. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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