The Stable Z is an accessory for a microscope designed to warm biological specimens in standard plastic-ware on a microscope stage with the distinct advantage of eliminating Z-axis drift. The Stable Z is the only peripheral heating device on the market that will not induce Z-axis drift into the specimen plane. This feature is what sets it apart tom all other traditional "stage warmers". It is an inexpensive alternative to more sophisticated systems to maintain the temperature of specimens for imaging while maintaining focus.
The Stable Z System is an electronic specimen warming device that applies heat exclusively and immediately adjacent to a specimen containing structure such as a 35mm culture dish or LabTek chamber slide in a manner that does not induce Z-axis drift to the specimen plane. It is comprised of a small electronic controller supported at 45 degrees for easy viewing, a DC adapter power supply, and a stage adapter to fit the microscope. Its temperature range is from ambient to 50 Degrees C and comes with a reference probe to measure the actual temperature in the dish.
How it works: There are several factors that make the Stable "Z" superior to traditional "stage heaters". When a material is heated it expands. This is why other “stage heaters induce thermal drift. However, within the heated core components of the Stable Z, there is a nodal plane from which thermal expansion occurs. The perimeter of the Stable Z’s heated core, which is also the mechanical support surface for the heated core, is machined to this nodal plane. Then the specimen resting surface is machined down to the same level. The exposed nodal plane is attached to a glass plate having a near zero coefficient of expansion and poor thermal conductivity. Therefore, heat produced in the core of the device is isolated from the microscope. Therefore, even though heat is being applied to the specimen from a metal, peripherally located source, the effect of thermal expansion is not transmitted to the specimen plane because the support surface, nodal plane within the heating core, and specimen are all coplanar with each other and stay that way!
Set includes:
- Controller
- Power supply
- Specified stage adapter
- Heated lid not included