Application Note: Optical Spectroscopy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

**The market leading STACIS III is being replaced in Q2 2024 by a new and improved STACIS 4, with even higher performance for the most demanding applications**

Designed to filter out floor motion using inertial vibration sensors and piezo actuators with complex control algorithms. Can be used in series with air damped supports to completely cancel environmental vibration at low and high frequencies.

• Hundreds of times stiffer than air isolators – STACIS suffers from none of the limitations of air vibration isolation systems. There is no "soft" suspension and, unlike active air systems, STACIS can be placed beneath a tool with an internal active air isolation system with both systems fully optimized.
• The unique serial design and proprietary high-force piezoelectric technology –  results in a wide active bandwidth from 0.6 Hz to 150 Hz and unmatched, truly active vibration isolation with 90% vibration reduction starting at 2 Hz.

• Incorporates STACIS – TMC's active piezoelectric vibration cancellation technology is unmatched in the industry, with its "hard mount" design and isolation starting at 0.6 Hz, compatible with tools incorporating internal isolators.
• Modularity, customisation and relocation flexibility – Each platform is individually tailored to the customer's application but can easily be reconfigured if the tool or the floor characteristics change, unlike concrete plinths.
• Expertise – TMC has broad experience working with the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers, scientific facilities and ultra-precision OEMs. TMC know their customers and their needs. TMC design and manufacture in-house.

• STACIS Piezoelectric Isolators – Suffer no ill effects from tall, top-heavy payloads. There's no danger of gravitational instability.
• Instruments mounted on floor platforms (TEMS) – are among the most vibration-sensitive tools made. STACIS provides the best vibration isolation commercially available with no low-frequency amplification.
• Instruments requiring isolation – typically incorporate an internal, built-in vibration isolation system. This system is generally a low-frequency air isolator which, in general, should not be supported by another low-frequency air isolation system. STACIS is compatible being "stacked" beneath any tool's internal isolation system.

Vibration isolated lab equipment tables for a wide range of applications including scanning probe microscopy, confocal microscopy, interferometry and optical metrology.

• Unique new table-top design (patent pending) combines the best features of TMC's CleanTop steel honeycomb tops with our ultra-stiff, damped, layered platform design.
• Greater stability, especially for small size tables. The low profile, high density tops lower the overall floating center-of-mass ensuring inherently stability, even for relatively top-heavy payloads.
• Guided thread lead-ins to align screws with tapped holes. The "bevel" shape eases engagement of the first thread.
• Ergonomics optimized for the seated user by minimizing the thickness of the table-top. Other designs either offer 100 mm, 4 in. thick tops which awkwardly separate knees and elbows or sacrifice essential mass by offering a 50 mm, 2 in. thick honeycomb top which does not have adequate massfor effective vibration isolation, especially for smaller table sizes.

• Vertical and horizontal vibration isolation starting at 2 Hz
• Reduces vibration by more than 95% at 10Hz
• Virtually free of friction, avoiding rolling friction to static friction transitions
• Accommodates horizontal displacement by acting as a gimbal

Industry-leading performance resulting from the highest core density and smallest honeycomb cell area in an all-steel construction. Three performance levels and multiple options available. 

• All steel construction – No particle board sidewalls or plastic layer between top skin and honeycomb core. Assures maximum strength and structural integrity.
• Smallest core cell size, highest core density – The CleanTop design does not require enlarging the steel honeycomb core cell size because CleanTop cups are cylindrical, not conical as found in plastic layer designs. CleanTop's average cell size of 0.5 in.(2) is at least 50% smaller than that achieved with plastic layer designs assuring the highest stiffness and greatest core-to-skin bonding contact area.
• Steel to steel to steel – CleanTop achieves a spill-proof core with only two bonding layers: top skin to core and core to bottom skin. Imitations must add a third bonding layer which weakens the structure: top skin to plastic layer, plastic layer to core, and core to bottom skin.
• Thermal stability – The CleanTop all steel construction assures materials of identical coefficient of thermal expansion ensuring optimal thermal stability.

Rigid coupling plate joiner systems for TMC optical tables to maintain flatness, stiffness and damping.

• Unique process ensures that flatness, stiffness, and damping is maintained across joints.
• Tops may be de-coupled and supported as individual panels.
• Joined Table process is compatible with TMC’s various passive and active vibration isolation support options.

Exceptionally rigid and well damped steel optical breadboards with 2” or 4” thickness in standard rectangular or customised irregular shapes.

• All steel construction. No particle board sidewalls or plastic layer between top skin and honeycomb core. Assures maximum strength and structural integrity
• Smallest core cell size, highest core density. The CleanTop design does not require enlarging the steel honeycomb core cell size because CleanTop cups are cylindrical, not conical as found in plastic layer designs. CleanTop's average cell size of 0.5 in.(2) is at least 50% smaller than that achieved with plastic layer designs assuring the highest stiffness and greatest core-to-skin bonding contact area
• Steel to steel to steel. CleanTop achieves a spill-proof core with only two bonding layers: top skin to core and core to bottom skin. Imitations must add a third bonding layer which weakens the structure: top skin to plastic layer, plastic layer to core, and core to bottom skin.
• Thermal stability. The CleanTop all steel construction assures materials of identical coefficient of thermal expansion ensuring optimal thermal stability.