positioning-equipment-whitepapers

31. How Hexapod Motion Platforms Help Google Engineers Advance Cell Phone Cameras 11/20/2017

    The engineers at Google have taken steps to optimize the motion and image stabilization algorithms in their Pixel 2 camera, which has been integrated with PI’s H-860 high-speed hexapod system that accurately simulates motion with 6 degrees of freedom and results in pinpoint-accurate crisp images.

32. Automation And Microscopy: Faster Test And Measurement 10/5/2017

    Nanotechnology uses the concept that constant velocity will get you to the destination faster than constantly stopped traffic. One technique puts this concept into practice via a fast nano-focus device based on a piezo-ceramic actuator embedded in a flexure guided lens positioning mechanism.

33. Frictionless Precision Motion Control Based On Air Bearing Stages - Key Element In Coordinate Measuring And Surface Metrology Applications 8/23/2017

    The performance of precision metrology equipment depends on highly accurate, repeatable, and controllable motion systems and position sensors. Air bearings have played a critical role in the development and construction of CMMs and other metrology tools. 

34. Automotive Precision Assembly: Hexapod 6-Axis Parallel Machines Add High Precision To Conventional Robots 8/23/2017

    The need for advances robotics with high precision and alignment requirements continues to grow in the automotive industry. This white paper describes the major benefits that hexapod 6-axis parallel machines have for conventional robots in automotive precision assembly lines. 

35. Engineered Precision Motion Design Benefits From Systems Approach 8/23/2017

    When controlling motion at the sub-micrometer or nanometer levels for alignment and handling applications, it is imperative to have high reliability, robustness, minimized latency, and high-speed synchronization with external devices to reach sub-micrometer path accuracy. The higher the dynamics and throughput targets of a multi-axis precision motion system, the more holistic the design approach must be in order to achieve success. A systems approach where the mechanics, control electronics, and software are designed by the same team provides a great amount of benefits for the user.

36. Motion Control And Precision Positioning In Vacuum Environments 9/29/2016

    Vacuum applications, and technologies that can only be applied in vacuum or cryogenic environments have grown in importance within scientific research and industry applications. Optics technologies use vacuum environments to manufacture components such as fiber laser optics and sensitive detectors. Other applications that use vacuum environments include small epitaxy processes, semiconductor manufacturing, and X-ray or UV applications.

37. PI Mini Imaging Drives For Endoscopy 7/13/2016

    With the aim to cause patients as little discomfort as possible, minimal invasive surgery (MIS) techniques use endoscopes integrated with a miniature drive to achieve variable focusing so that objects can be in sharp focus at all times. These endoscopes are used in larynx diagnostics or laparoscopy where optics and special instruments can then be introduced to the abdominal cavity through working trocars. Patients will then experience less post-operative pain and are able to be discharged earlier from the hospital. This application note describes the focus and zoom control functions within these miniature drives, and provides information on available PI piezo miniature drives for endoscopy applications.  

38. Optimizing Performance Of Galvanometer-Based Laser Beam Steering 4/6/2016

    Closed-loop galvanometers, or galvos, offer a combination of speed, accuracy, low cost, and flexibility. To achieve optimal performance in any galvo application, one must understand the parameters for positioning speed and accuracy, plus proper design and selection of the galvo, mirror, and servo driver. 

39. From Patterned Wafer To Packaged Device: Optical Alignment For Packaging and Test In SiP 2/26/2015

    As photonic and electronic devices began to converge, bandwidth, efficiency, and functionality improved significantly. On the flip side, testing and packaging these silicon photonic (SiP) devices has proven to be a challenge. Testing conventional microcircuits can be done through physical contact, conventional positioning control devices, and visual inspection. On the other hand, photonic devices require non-contact and nanoscale alignment between the hybrid device under test and a probe fiber or other element. And we haven’t even begun discussing the complications involved in packaging such devices.

40. Piezo-Based Nanopositioning For Ophthalmology 4/2/2014

    Several laser methods have emerged to influence the curvature of the cornea to correct visual acuity. All have one decisive factor in common: laser beam control and focusing that requires high-precision positioning. Piezo-based solutions are well suited to this application, providing the necessary precision, speed, and reliability, as well as compact designs that can be easily integrated into today's laser systems.