SPECS Nanonis Mimea 6th Generation
Newly-released in spring 2026, the 6th generation of the Nanonis control system builds the established pedigree of the Nanonis BP5e which has been the go-to solution for SPM control for the last 10 years. In total over 1600 Nanonis systems have been delivered to the research community since the Nanonis range was first launched over 20 years ago, serving as the technical foundation for countless scientific breakthroughs and high-impact publications. The Mimea 6th generations combines exceptional signal quality, high speed and a flexible, powerful and user-friendly software interface. The new controller builds on the exceptional performance and signal quality of the BP5 and offers 3 × reduction in broadband noise and a 8 × higher effective resolution compared to the previous generation, as well as a 7x higher data transfer rate.
Key Features
Key Features
- Advanced high-speed data processing architecture
- A new standard in signal quality for data acquisition and signal generation
- Unparalleled flexibility in signal modulation and mixing
- Optimal I/O placement capability via galvanically isolated optical interconnects
- Ready and open for AI integration
RC6 Real-time Controller
A key benefit of the Nanonis high-speed modular architecture is the direct access and visualisation of all raw signals available in the system, eliminating the need for pre-processing and data-rate reduction in add-on instruments. To ensure a low-latency and reliable data transfer at a significantly higher speed than before, a revolutionary data transfer architecture had to be designed. It supports a 7 × higher data transfer rate, sampling rates up to 200 MS/s, synchronous data input and output over all interfaces in the system, and plug & play operation. Designed for distributed measurements and optimized for low HF signature and small signals, the architecture enables a placement of the signal interfaces at a significant distance from the central processing core, the RC6, using galvanically isolated optical fibers. For complex measurements, a single system can handle over 128 outputs or inputs and over 250 monitoring signals, with over 200 signals simultaneously available in the user interface. To handle this enormous amount of data, the RC6 offers increased processing power with a larger FPGA, a more powerful CPU and faster storage.
SC6 Signal Conversion
The SC6 redefines the meaning of signal interface, offering state of the art performance in any experimental situation. The 24-bit 2 MS/s ADCs paired with a low-noise, low-drift input stage with variable gain and 200 kHz bandwidth, offer a 3 × reduction in broadband noise and a 8 × higher effective resolution compared to the previous generation, with oversampling is effective down to 1 Hz. A high-impedance input buffer, true-differential inputs and flexible GND schemes ensure optimal operation with any sample and electrical configuration, while selectable AC-coupling with high gain allows the detection of smallest modulations. The 31-bit DAC architecture delivers incredibly clean signals down to smallest amplitudes eliminating the need for external adders. Variable filters offer a 6 × higher bandwidth and an optimized impulse response for stable feedback. Output noise is twice as low, or even 6 × lower in the ±2.5 V output range, with the improvement carrying over to frequencies below 0.1 Hz. Output current and voltage are constantly monitored, and all outputs can act as regulated current sources with maximum currents up to 25 mA.
