The single molecule force spectrometer described in this paper uses of fast and highly linear piezo stage. This multi-axis stage (model P-313 PicoCube) can run in open loop and provide closed-loop linearity, but at higher dynamics. The linearity, bandwidth and comparative absence of hysteretic behavior for this multi-axis assembly ensure previously unattained resolution. Combined with a robust, simple, high-end design, this new generation of single molecule force-clamp instrumentation is ideally suited to capture the individual force-induced unfolding and folding trajectories of single protein molecules.
