SONOPLOT MICROPLOTTER Proto, Manual

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Surface height sensing
The detection of the surface height is handled by an electronic feedback system that
uses changes in the vibrational properties of the dispenser to detect whether or not it
has contacted a physical object, no matter how gently. This surface sensing capability
allows for the cant of a surface to be calibrated, so that the control software can
maintain a consistent height of the dispenser above the surface for reliable dispensing.
Precision robotic positioner
The Microplotter picoliter dispenser would not be of much use without a precision
positioning system to place that dispenser at select locations, and do so in an
automated fashion. The robotic positioner of the Microplotter system occupies most of
its physical volume, and can move the dispenser over a 31 x 31 x 7 cm volume with a
10 micron resolution in the X, Y, and Z axes. All of this movement is controlled through
the SonoGuide software package (described in Chapter 4) either manually by the user
or automatically through the running of a pattern.
As you read through the following chapters, you will learn how to install, configure, and
operate your Microplotter Proto instrument in order to take advantage of its unique
capabilities in your line of research or development.
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