TS-4

• Holds specimen at any temperature, -20 °C  to +100 °C
• Digital display of set-up and operating temperatures
• Control to within 0.1 °C
• Fits most microscopes
• Built-in digital thermometer
• Solid state technology no moving parts

With the TS-4 Thermal Stage, a specimen on a microscope slide or dish can be maintained at any temperature between - 20 °C and + 100 °C. Set-up is easy, takes little time, and the controller will regulate the stage temperature to within + 0.1 °C.

TS-4 is a thermoelectric (Peltier) device and has no moving parts. No liquid CO2, or nitrogen is used for cooling. Only AC current and a trickle of running water are needed for operation. Two versions are available:    TS-4, range - 20 °C to + 60 °C
                               TS-4ER, range - 20 °C to + 100 °C

The TS-4 consists of a stage, a controller and an optional pump unit:

The stage is a thin, nickel coated copper plate, with a thermoelectric module mounted on one side. The plastic base is the same size and thickness as a glass slide and fits onto the mechanical stage of the microscope in the same manner as a slide. The thermal stage can therefore be moved relative to the optics by the normal mechanical stage controls. A hole in the metal plate permits the use of transmitted light. Water is required for removal of excess heat from the stage. The two water tubes have self sealing connections to prevent spills. Running water from a tap can be used. If tap water is not easily accessible, our pump and tank unit is compact and convenient. Sensors mounted in the stage provide temperature monitoring for control purposes and for safety. The safety sensors prevent overheating in case of failure of cooling water supply or other malfunction.

The controller produces a maximum of 10 A at approx 5 V DC for the thermoelectric modules in the stage. Output polarity is automatically reversed when the stage requires a change from heating and cooling, or vice versa. During set-up the digital display indicates the control temperature being selected. The actual stage temperature is displayed during operation. The thermometer circuitry in the TS-4 can also be used as an independent instrument, either with the microprobe supplied or with any type T thermocouple sensor. A switch on the front panel allows easy selection of the external sensor. Range of the thermometer is - 100 °C to +200°C.  A thermocouple microprobe is supplied with the TS-4.

The pump and tank unit is connected to an auxiliary AC output on the back of the controller. The tank provides sufficient circulation to keep the stage cooled.  All water connections are self-sealing.