A modular manipulation system and method for using such modular manipulation
system
for manipulating a sample under study with a microscope are provided. According
to at least one embodiment, a platform is provided that comprises an interface
to a microscope, a sample stage, and a plurality of interfaces for receiving manipulator
modules for manipulating a sample arranged on the sample stage. Preferably, the
plurality of interfaces for receiving manipulator modules are each capable of detachably
coupling a manipulator module to the platform. Thus, in a preferred embodiment,
a user may selectively couple one or more desired manipulator modules to the platform
to enable a desired type of manipulation to be performed on a sample under study.
Accordingly, a preferred embodiment enables great flexibility in configuring a
manipulation system in a desired manner.
