Press Release - January 2024
New Ultra-Thin CT-10 Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation Platform Adapts to Space Constraints in Critical Micro- and Nano-Microscopy
At about 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 Microscopy (SPM, SEM, AFM, etc.), Micro-Hardness and Nano-Indenter Testing, Laser/Optical Systems, Biology/Neuroscience Systems, Spacecraft Ground Testing, Analytical Balances, Audio Reproduction, Vacuum and Cleanroom applications.
For Immediate Release
(January 1, 2024, Inglewood, California) - Minus K Technology (Minus K) has just announced the new ultra-thin, low-height model CT-10 passive isolator – the more compact than the CT-10 to fit in much smaller spaces at just over 12 ½ inches square. The completely passive tabletop unit is about 2.7 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-10 utilizes Minus K's breakthrough patented technology that led to a Laser Focus World 2019 Innovation Award.
Image 1: The new Negative-Stiffness CT-10 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-10 ultra-thin, low-height isolator solves this problem."
“Vibration isolators for small microscopes, especially AFM, have typically been much larger than needed. We have heard from users looking for an even more compact isolator that what we previously had. People just like small isolators. They want the performance our isolators offer, in as small a package as possible,” said Erik Runge, V.P. of Engineering. “With the CT-10, we offer the most compact 0.5 Hz isolator we have ever produced.”
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-10 isolator achieves a high level of isolation in multiple directions. It has the flexibility of custom tailoring resonant frequencies vertically.
The transmissibility of the CT-10 is substantially improved over air and active isolation systems. When adjusted to 1/2 Hz vertical natural frequency, the CT-10 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 new emerging technologies, vibration isolation is becoming even more important. Not all these technologies need, or even want, to use larger sized isolators,” added Runge. “The CT-10, with its patented technology, offers the signature 0.5 Hz vertical performance we have become known for, in a much smaller package. The CT-10 isolates low-frequency vibrations (vertically) as well as our largest isolators.”
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 52 countries.
For more information on negative-stiffness isolators please contact Steve Varma, Minus K Technology, Inc.; 460 Hindry Ave., Unit C, Inglewood, CA 90301; Phone 310-348-9656; Fax 310-348-9638; email sales@minusk.com; www.minusk.com.
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