News | October 2, 2006

New Single-Probe Capacitive Gauge For Nanometrology Applications

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Auburn, MA -- PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., a manufacturer of nanopositioning and precision motion-control equipment for nanotechnology, photonics, semiconductor and biotechnology applications, introduces the D-510 family of PISeca™ capacitive displacement gauges.

PISeca capacitance gauges perform high-precision, non-contact measurements of geometric quantities representing displacement, separation, position, length or other linear dimension against any kind of electrically conductive target. These single-probe nanometrology sensors combine superior resolution and linearity with very high bandwidth for dynamic measurements.

Features & Advantages

  • Absolute, Non-Contact Measurement of Distance / Motion / Vibration
  • Sub-Nanometer Resolution, Measuring Ranges to 500 µm
  • Excellent Measuring Linearity to 0.1 %
  • Plug & Play: Easy Setup and Integration
  • Very Temperature Stable
  • Bandwidth to 10 kHz
  • Proprietary Electrode Design & Electronics Provide Higher Linearity
  • All Systems Factory Calibrated for Highest Possible Linearity / Accuracy

Higher Linearity through Guard-Ring Capacitor and ILS Electronics
Not all capacitive sensors are created equal. Because the sensor design has a strong influence on the linearity, PI uses a special guard-ring electrode to shield the sensor electrode from boundary effects. This ensures a homogeneous electric field in the measurement zone and results in higher measuring linearity. In addition, the E-852 sensor signal conditioning electronics are equipped with the PI proprietary ILS linearization circuit.

Easy Setup & Installation
The capacitive gauges are plug and play units. The cable plugs directly into the sensor head for easy installation or replacement in the field. Installation is further facilitated by a display in the sensor electronics that indicates the optimum distance between probe and target.

Multichannel Measurements, Closed Loop Motion Control Electronics
PISeca capacitive sensor systems can be operated in multichannel configurations and combined with nanopositioning actuators for nanometer precise closed-loop motion control applications.

SOURCE: PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.