Atomic Precision: How NanoFraction & Dover Motion Redefine Nanoscale Discovery
In this article, I want to take a closer look at one of the most essential subsystems of NanoFraction’s PHASE platform: the motion control and focus capabilities that make our system so powerful. Think of it as a nanoscale jamboree of precision components working in harmony.
NanoFraction DHOM (Digital Holographic Optical Microscope) & Dover Motion SmartStage™ XY, DOF 5
Two standout components in this subsystem are the SmartStage™ XY from Dover Motion and the DOF 5 focusing module. Together, they form the foundation for precision positioning and focus control in our desktop holographic nanoscope. These elements aren’t just technical marvels—they’re critical enablers of our mission to achieve unparalleled nanoscale resolution.
Collaboration for Humanity’s Greatest Challenges
At NanoFraction, we’re building more than just cutting-edge technology. We’re creating a platform for collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Our solution partners, like Dover Motion, are helping us push the limits of what’s possible in optical super-resolution and nanoscale imaging.
We believe these advancements will help humanity solve its most challenging edge cases—whether it’s detecting defects at the atomic scale or enabling breakthroughs in semiconductor manufacturing. Together, we’re moving closer to seeing beyond the bounds of today’s technology.
Why Precision Positioning Matters
A microscope stage—whether for x-y positioning or z-axis focus—is a platform that holds and moves a sample with extreme precision, enabling detailed observations at the microscale and beyond. For NanoFraction, the goal is ambitious: building a compact desktop holographic nanoscope capable of multi-scale defect detection at atomic resolution.
This is where the SmartStage™ XY shines. Its integrated stage-and-controller design, with a single communication cable, minimizes system complexity while delivering industrial-grade performance. With a cross-section of just 25 mm in height and 90 mm in width, it fits seamlessly into our rail-mounted optical bench, creating a streamlined and compact profile for desktop use.
Precision positioning isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a necessity. Whether mapping a large area or targeting nanoscale features, we face a challenge we call the "nano-needle in the nano-haystack" problem. The SmartStage™ XY solves this by allowing precise sample movement, enabling us to target features in the smallest fields of view with consistent accuracy.
Trigger On Position: Finding the Nano-Needle
One standout capability of the SmartStage™ XY is its Trigger On Position (TOP) feature. This enables precise synchronization of peripheral devices—such as cameras or lasers—with the exact position of the stage. By synchronizing the SmartStage™ XY and DOF 5 to onboard capture sequences, we achieve unparalleled precision in locating and analyzing nanoscale features.
Further, Dover Motion’s proprietary encoder interpolation technology allows nearly unlimited resolution options. Consider that if the nominal encoder resolution is 10 nanometers, 32K different trigger resolutions are possible between just 9 and 11 nanometers. This allows each instrument to be very fine tuned to the actual optical magnification, which can vary as much as +/- 5 %. This additional precision expands TOP functionality along with its high output speed of >1 MHz.
This fine control allows us to align the stage perfectly with the optical magnification. The result? Unmatched imaging accuracy for even the most demanding applications, such as Time Delay and Integration (TDI) CCD imaging.
Integration Made Simple
Ease of integration is another reason we chose Dover Motion’s technology. With robust plug-and-play connectivity, we were up and running quickly. Dover has an all-in-one API Motion Synergy. While initial tuning was necessary—resolving resonant modes that caused a high-pitched sound—Dover Motion’s responsive technical support guided us through adjustments. Once optimized, the system operated with silent precision, cycling through microns and nanometers effortlessly.
For scripting, the SmartStage™ XY supports Python and Lua, offering flexibility for developers. We built our motion control sequences using the Python starter code, which provided an excellent foundation for customization.
Atomic-Level Positioning: A Leap Toward 0.1 Nanometer Resolution
Our mission to achieve 0.1 nanometer optical resolution demands atomic precision in motion and focusing. The SmartStage™ XY delivers this, closing both position and current loops at an astonishing 19.53 kHz while achieving deep interpolation to 5 nanometers. For those needing even greater resolution, the SmartStage™ XY Ultra pushes boundaries further, achieving positioning accuracy as fine as 305 picometers—the diameter of a single aluminum atom.
With encoder cyclical error reduced to below ±5 nanometers, the SmartStage™ XY Ultra isn’t just enabling nanoscale discovery—it’s delivering atomic-level positioning that opens doors to new frontiers in microscopy and materials science.
What sets Dover Motion apart is its wealth of expertise gained from collaborations in high-demand fields such as fluorescence microscopy, microscopy flow cells, and microfluidics. This deep understanding of diverse imaging requirements allows them to tailor their motion technologies for specific applications. Now, they are bringing that know-how to NanoFraction’s system and the burgeoning field of Digital Holographic Optical Moiré (DHOM), ensuring our platform achieves its ambitious vision for nanoscale discovery.