Z-Piezo Inserts
A Z-piezo insert is a compact, piezo-driven stage that moves the sample along the optical axis with nanometer-scale accuracy and millisecond speed. It enables quick, high-resolution positioning in Z — ideal for fast focusing, 3D imaging, optical sectioning and rapid Z-stacks. Clemex supplies Märzhäuser piezo Z inserts that drop into a scanning stage and ship with a controller.
Fast, ultra-fine movement in Z
A piezo Z insert moves dynamically along the optical axis with accuracy in the nanometer range, adjusting focus within a few milliseconds. That combination of speed and precision makes it the tool of choice for high-throughput Z-stacking and dynamic focusing.
A piezo insert is very fast and very fine, but has only a short travel range — so it complements, rather than replaces, a motorized focus drive. In a typical setup the focus drive handles the coarse, long-range focusing while the piezo insert delivers the rapid, precise Z-steps needed for 3D imaging and optical sectioning. Its large free aperture accommodates samples from a single slide up to microtiter plates, and it drops into compatible Märzhäuser scanning stages.
Key features
- Nanometer-scale resolution and repeatability for precise focus control
- Very fast Z movement, adjusting focus within a few milliseconds
- Resolution: 5 nm / 31 nm
- Travel range: 500 µm
- Repeatability: 50 nm
- Large free aperture holding samples from a single slide up to microtiter plates
- Drops into compatible Märzhäuser scanning and other k-frame stages
- Includes an integrated controller
- Complements a motorized focus drive: coarse focus by the drive, fine Z-steps by the piezo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Z-piezo insert?
A piezo-driven stage insert that moves the sample along the optical (Z) axis with nanometer accuracy, for fast and ultra-fine focusing.
How is it different from a motorized focus drive?
A piezo insert is very fast and very fine but short-range, while a focus drive is coarser but covers the microscope's full focus range. They are typically used together — the drive for coarse focus, the piezo for fine, rapid Z-steps.
What is it used for?
Fast focusing, 3D imaging, optical sectioning and rapid Z-stacks, where quick and highly precise movement along the optical axis is needed.
What samples can it hold?
Its large free aperture accommodates a range of formats, from a single microscope slide up to microtiter plates.
Does it need a special stage?
No. It is designed to fit compatible Märzhäuser scanning and most other k-frame stages. Our specialists confirm compatibility with your stage.
Need fast, nanometer-precise focusing? Our specialists help you add a piezo Z insert to your imaging setup.