Page 2
TTN200645-D02
PCS-6000 Series Motorized Patch-Clamp Micromanipulator
Chapter 2: Introduction
Chapter 2 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the PCS-6000 Series Motorized Patch-Clamp Micro-
manipulator. This manual intends to provide in-depth information on the oper-
ation and use of the PCS-6000.
2.1.
Overview
Burleigh PCS-6000 Series Motorized Patch-Clamp Micromanipulators from
Thorlabs, Inc. are ultra-stable, high-resolution positioning systems designed for
patch clamp recording. Thorlabs, Inc. has incorporated more than 20 years of
experience and knowledge in piezoelectric actuators, precision mechanics, and
electronic control to create a system that maximizes your research productivity.
The Burleigh Micromanipulator Assembly will be mounted on or next to your
microscope. Your headstage and pipette should be mounted to the Burleigh
micromanipulator assembly such that the end of the pipette is in the field of view
of the microscope. The Burleigh PCS-6000 provides rapid motorized pos-
itioning, with a travel range of about 250
mm
and steps as small as 5
µm
. After
preliminary positioning with the motors, fine positioning is obtained by using
piezo actuators, with 150
µm
or 300
µm
of travel, Special rotational adjustments
are incorporated to allow optimum pipette working angles and easy pipette
exchange. The Burleigh PCS-6000 is modular and allows numerous con-
figurations so that it can be customized for each user.
The motor is controlled by a joystick that is separate and distinct from the fine
motion control. The farther the joystick is moved from its rest position, the faster
the stage moves. The fastest speed attainable is 2
mm
/second. The fine motion
of the piezo is controlled by the position of a large knob on the axis control unit
(ACU). The knobs can be turned through 1080° (three revolutions) to sweep the
entire range of the piezo movement, either 150 or 300
μm
. When the knob is left
in a specific position, motion stops.
While the Burleigh PCS-6000 was designed for patch clamp recording, the char-
acteristics of the instrument are useful for many other applications requiring
high-precision positioning capabilities.
Figure 2–1 PCS-6000 Series Motorized Patch-Clamp Micromanipulator
