The Rotatable Axis MultiBase X-Y manipulator enables the X and Y axes to be rotated about the axis of the manipulator, whilst under vacuum, such that they can be aligned precisely with a particular port axis on a chamber. This is a unique feature for X-Y manipulators, developed by UHV Design.
The feature is particularly useful when using techniques where focusing is absolutely critical, and the user wants to move the sample along the axis of a gun or lens, etc. mounted on ports which are not exactly parallel or perpendicular to the manipulator axes.
Using the Rotatable Axis MultiBase, the sample can be precisely moved along the axis of any port until optimum focusing is achieved. It can then be moved orthogonally to explore other areas of the sample, without losing focus.
A conventional X-Y stage would require repeated ‘step’ movements in the X and Yaxes to reach a specific location, followed by further ‘stepping’ motions on each axis to travel along the desired path/angle. The Rotatable Axis MultiBase removes this requirement, greatly simplifying positioning and focusing tasks.
Note:- the top and base flanges do not rotate with respect to one another, but rather the manipulator mechanism and actuators are rotated around the flanges. Using the Rotatable Axis MultiBase manipulator together with z-shifts, rotary drives and other UHV Design sample handling options, a complete truly UHV eucentric stage can be assembled for the first time, without resorting to using a sliding seal or differentially pumped rotary housing.
