Madison, Wis.-based nPoint, Inc., which produces a line of ultra-precision motion and control nanopositioners for nanoscale research and manufacturing, has released the latest product in its PiezoMAX product line.

The N-XYZ100B is a closed-loop XYZ nanopositioner used for microscopy applications that require transmitted light through the sample, such as the traditional inverted optical microscope, confocal microscope and near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM). The aperture enables a light beam to pass through the sample, while the nanopositioner allows the sample to be moved and controlled within nanometer range.

Nanopositioners are used in a broad range of applications — wherever controlled motion at the nanometer scale is required — including semiconductor lithography instruments and semiconductor manufacturing and testing. The N-XYZ100B is a compact three-axis nanopositioner that can be easily integrated into an inverted microscope to perform a variety of experiments requiring nanoscale motion and control, such as cell, protein, or even DNA manipulation. It is capable of 500 kHz resonant frequency in the x- and y- directions and 2 kHz in the z- direction. The N-XYZ100B offers up to 200 micrometers range-of-motion, resulting in quick data recording.

"The launch of the N-XYZ100B marks another step forward in nPoint's mission to provide products for the nanotechnology era. nPoint's research and manufacturing tools combine nanoscale motion and control, high speed, and ultra-precise accuracy and repeatability," said John Biondi, CEO of nPoint, Inc.

nPoint offers 1-, 2-, and 3-axis PiezoMAX nanopositioner products as well as customer/OEM systems. Nanopositioners include the positioning stage, a closed-loop capacitive feedback sensor and controller electronics.

Founded in 1997 as Piezomax Technologies, Inc., nPoint has received funding from federal innovation research contracts, Wisconsin's Technology Development Loan (TDL) program and first round funding from four Wisconsin-based angel investment firms: Early Stage Research of Madison; Wisconsin Investment Partners, also of Madison; Silicon Pastures of Milwaukee; and Origin Investment Group of La Crosse.