Manipulator for rotating and translating a sample holder

A manipulator for translating and rotating a sample holder for holding a microscopic sample, comprising;

• a base;
• multiple arms extending substantially parallel to each other from the base, each arm having a longitudinal axis and having a first driving surface facing a second driving surface on an opposing arm, the first and second driving surfaces supporting the sample holder;
• and
• one or more actuators for moving the multiple arms along their longitudinal axes, such that when the arms are moved an equal distance in the same direction, the sample holder is translated without rotation in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and when the arms are moved an equal distance in opposite directions, the sample holder is rotated without translation.

A method of observing a sample in a microscope, comprising:

• providing a manipulator for manipulating a sample under the microscope, the manipulator including:
• a base;
• multiple arms extending substantially parallel to each other from the base, each arm having a longitudinal axis and having a first driving surface facing a second driving surface on an opposing arm, the first and second driving surfaces supporting the sample holder;
• and
• one or more actuators for moving the multiple arms along their longitudinal axes, such that when the arms are moved an equal distance in the same direction, the sample holder is translated without rotation in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and when the arms are moved an equal distance in opposite directions, the sample holder is rotated without translation;
• positioning the work piece in contact with the first and second driving surfaces;
• driving the two arms to position the sample within the microscope;
• and
• observing the sample using the microscope.