Minus K's CT-2 Ultra-Thin Isolator Utilized in Critical Micro- and Nano-Microscopy

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - May 5, 2020 - PRLog -- Minus K Technology (Minus K) has just 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.

"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.

The transmissibility of theCT-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."

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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.