Positioning Equipment

The F-712.IRP1 and its two channel sibling, the F-712.IRP2, convert optical signals in the 600nm to 1700nm range with optical power from 230 picowatts to 1.3 milliwatts into an analog output voltage of 0.1V - 1.6V. In order to be useful for fast optical alignment systems, the output signal conversion is logarithmic and optical power changes can be detected and converted with a bandwidth of 6kHz.

PI (Physik Instrumente) LP offers a compact 5-axis stage for precision alignment and positioning required in fields such as fiber-optics and photonics. The modular, 5DOF motorized stage consists of a 3-axis linear module and two goniometers. A multi-axis controller and software with automated alignment functionality is also available. Sub-micron precision is guaranteed by highly accurate mechanical components and encoder feedback for closed-loop operation.

With tradeshows and conferences postponed, OEMs, researchers, MEs, and EEs in all fields are challenged to remain abreast of the most responsive, cutting edge motion control solutions. PI (Physik Instrumente) LP, the leading innovator of motion control solutions for 50 years, has launched a series of virtual tradeshow booths on their website, beginning with Industrial Automation and Laser Material Processing solutions.

The L-408 linear stage strikes a good balance of load capacity, precision, and low cost. It has applications in research and industry including optics, bio-tech, and assembly of miniature components and photonics instrumentation.

The V-738 XY translation stage is designed to meet the highest positioning accuracy demands, for applications such as industrial automation, laser processing and flat panel display test and manufacturing. The mechanical design is based on a three piece arrangement for improved geometric performance. In contrast to XY-stage assemblies where two single axis translation stages are bolted together, the integrated, planar design of the V-738 provides better orthogonality (<100µrad) and straightness/flatness (2µm).

Piezo motors provide excellent dynamic properties, such as high acceleration and fast start/stop behavior, along with nanometer precision and stability. In contrast to traditional piezo mechanisms, like piezo stacks and piezo flexure stages, piezo motors are not limited to short travel ranges.

PI has added a high dynamics model to its range of compact hexapods. Designed for photonics alignment applications, the hexapod provides 6 degrees of freedom, actuator resolution of 5 nanometers and repeatability as good as 60 nanometers, while providing velocities to 20mm/sec. Sustaining loads to 5kg, the new H-811.F2 features a removable magnetic kinematic plate to accelerate workflow with different fiber optics components. Its compact size, large travel range of up to 34mm for linear motions and up to 42° for rotary motions, and a user programmable pivot point facilitate work with fiber optic and photonics components. 

The FMPA is a high-speed 12-axis automated silicon alignment system based on a highly specialized digital motion controller (E-712) and a hybrid alignment mechanism to achieve the required long travel ranges without sacrificing stability, resolution, or alignment speed. FMPA is implemented in the E-712’s modular firmware to enable fast, simultaneous alignment and tracking of multichannel couplings in multiple degrees of freedom.

This video features Dr. Markus Simon, head of the PI miCos beamline instrumentation group, who explains a special double hexapod PKM system used for synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy for material testing in fields such as semiconductor and medical applications.

PI provides a large variety of fast Z-Stages and collar piezo objective positioners for 3D imaging (Z-stack acquisition), deconvolution, and fast focusing applications. These Piezo nanopositioning stages & positioners are essential tools for high-resolution metrology and microscopy applications due to their sub-atomic resolution and extremely fast response times.

This video is an introduction of hexapod parallel kinematic 6-axis positioners, and a visual representation of key features of operation.

Opto Diode’s national sales manager Stan Duda kept us up to date on some new developments at Opto Diode. Watch the video to learn more about a new EUV compatible position sensing detector covering the 0.1 nm to 400 nm spectral range.

The PIMag 6D is a design concept for multi-axis nanopositioning applications where the highest precision is required, e.g. in semiconductor processing and inspection systems. This novel precision positioning system is based on magnetic levitation: The completely passive platform levitates on a magnetic field, which actively positions and also guides it. Objects can be moved linearly or rotationally on a plane with a unprecedented guiding accuracy.

Stefan Vorndran with PI (Physik Instrumente) gives us a rundown of their precision positioning technology capabilities at SPIE DSS 2013.