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Press Release
New Ultra-Thin
CT-2 Low-Frequency
Vibration Isolation Platform Adapts to Space Constraints in Critical Micro- and
Nano-Microscopy
BETTER horizontal performance and MORE payload ranges
At just 2-1/2
inches in height, while isolating vibrations as low as 1 hertz, the new
completely-passive Negative-Stiffness tabletop vibration isolation platform -
developed by Minus K Technology - provides the industry's thinnest low-height,
low-frequency isolator for optimizing space in critical microscopy and
laboratory applications.
Press Release: Minus K Technology has announced the new ultra-thin,
low-height model
CT-2 passive isolator -
the successor to the
CT-1 offers better
horizontal performance with additional payload ranges for heavier instruments.
The completely passive tabletop unit is just 2-1/2 inches in height, yet
delivers 1/2 Hz vertical natural frequency, and ~1-1/2 Hz horizontal natural
frequencies - considerably more low-frequency vibration isolation performance
compared to air tables and active systems. The
CT-2 utilizes Minus K's
breakthrough patented technology that led to a Laser Focus
World 2019 Innovation
Award
The new Negative-Stiffness
CT-2 ultra-thin,
low-height, low-frequency vibration isolation platform mitigates space
constraints in microscopy applications.
"Vibration isolation options for microscopy
instrumentation like scanning probe microscopes, interferometers and stylus
profilers have been limited to systems of several inches or more in height,
which for many labs can be too tall," said Erik Runge, Director of Engineering
at Minus K. "This can make for tight working conditions, which limits employing
adequate vibration isolation, and compromising the functionality of the
instrumentation. The new CT-2 ultra-thin, low-height isolator solves this
problem."
Negative-Stiffness isolators employ a unique and
completely mechanical concept in low-frequency vibration isolation. They do not
require electricity or compressed air. There are no motors, pumps or chambers,
and no maintenance because there is nothing to wear out. They operate purely in
a passive mechanical mode. The Negative-Stiffness CT-2 isolator achieves a high
level of isolation in multiple directions. It has the flexibility of custom
tailoring resonant frequencies vertically.
he
transmissibility of the CT-2 is substantially improved over air and active
isolation systems. When adjusted to 1/2 Hz vertical natural frequency, the CT-2
Negative-Stiffness isolator achieves approximately 93 percent isolation
efficiency at 2 Hz; 99 percent at 5 Hz; and 99.7 percent at 10 Hz.
"With the increased sensitivity in instrumentation,
particularly at the nanometer level, more precise vibration isolation
technology was needed to deal with lower-frequency vibrations," added Runge.
"Negative-Stiffness isolation, integral to the CT-2, was specifically designed
to isolate these low-frequency perturbations without having to deal with
compressed air or electricity."
Negative-Stiffness vibration isolation systems have
become a growing choice for micro and nanotechnology microscopy applications.
Not only are they a highly workable vibration solution, but they provide
location flexibility and portability that other vibration isolation systems
cannot.
About Minus K Technology,
Inc.
Minus K® Technology, Inc. was founded in 1993 to
develop, manufacture and market state-of-the-art vibration isolation products
based on the company's patented negative-stiffness technology. Minus K products
are used in a broad spectrum of applications including microscopy,
nanotechnology, biological sciences, materials research, semiconductors, zero-g
simulation of spacecraft, and high-end audio. The company is an OEM supplier to
leading manufacturers of scanning probe microscopes, micro-hardness testers and
other vibration-sensitive instruments and equipment. Minus K customers include
private companies and more than
300 leading universities and government laboratories
in 51 countries.
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