What is the Sensapex uMs Microscope?

The Sensapex uMs is a highly reliable upright microscope developed specifically for slice electrophysiology and advanced imaging. Combining the superior patch clamp optics of the Nikon FN-1 with Sensapex’s proven industry-leading motion control technology, the uMs delivers the accuracy, stability, and ease-of-use that demanding electrophysiology and voltage imaging experiments require.

Unlike generic upright microscopes adapted for physiology, the uMs was purpose-designed for slice patch clamp. Its slim, modular frame provides generous space for micromanipulators, while closed-loop control on all axes ensures that repeated automated movements hit the exact same location every time — critical for tiled imaging, Z-stacks, and multi-site recordings.

Key Features

• Closed-loop control on all axes: Focus, XY stage, and objective changer all use closed-loop positioning, delivering 4 nm resolution and 100 nm repeatability — the most accurate upright microscope available for slice electrophysiology.
• Slim, modular design: The compact frame maximises space around the sample, allowing up to 8 uMp micromanipulators on a single stage — ideal for multi-patch and optogenetics experiments.
• Motorized objective changer with focal plane registration: The 2-position motorized objective changer automatically compensates focal plane offsets when switching objectives, so your sample stays in focus without manual readjustment.
• Vibration-free smooth motion: Low-center-of-mass stage design and controlled acceleration profiles deliver smooth, vibration-free movement even at 10 mm/s — enabling reliable imaging during fast stage traversal.
• Integrated TSC Touchscreen control: The uMp-TSC2 touchscreen unit controls all motorized axes and any other Sensapex devices on the system without requiring a PC, with programmable memory positions and 1-click objective switching.
• Expandable from simple to advanced: Start with a basic motorized focus system and expand to a full multi-channel voltage imaging platform at any time, thanks to the fully modular architecture.

uMs Product Range

The uMs microscope system is available in three main configurations to suit different experimental needs. The Fully Motorized uMs includes the uMs-FN1 core microscope, motorized 2-position objective changer, closed-loop XY translator, and ultra-stable fixed stage — providing the complete platform for high-precision slice physiology. The Add-on Motorized XY Stage bundle integrates with your existing upright microscope, adding closed-loop XY translation with 100 nm repeatability over a 120 × 85 mm range. The uMs-FN1 Core provides the motorized focus and objective changer alone, ideal for labs that already have a quality XY stage.

Applications

• Slice patch clamp electrophysiology (single- and multi-electrode)
• Fluorescence imaging and optogenetics experiments
• High-speed voltage imaging at kHz frame rates
• Automated tiling and Z-stack imaging of brain slices
• Two-photon and widefield calcium imaging
• Multisite recordings with up to 8 simultaneous micromanipulators