V-931: Fast Steering Mirror for Laser Optical Communication and Laser Beam Control

Voice coil motors are direct drives conveying the force of the drive element directly to the load without using mechanical transmission parts, such as a coupling, drive screw, or gearhead.

Voice coil drives are made up of a permanent magnet and a winding body positioned in the magnetic field’s air gap.

The winding body moves when current flows through it, causing the permanent magnet’s magnetic field to change.

Voice coil drives are particularly well suited for applications with high dynamics and velocities at constrained travel ranges due to their low weight and friction-free drive mechanism. These drives are free from the effects of hysteresis, enabling high scan frequencies and precise positioning.

Features

Compact design

Durable and friction-free thanks to flexures

Noncontact direct position measuring with linear encoders

Beam deflection angle to 8°

Two orthogonal tip/tilt axes with a common center of rotation

Identical motion characteristics of both axes thanks to parallel kinematics

V-931.01, dimensions in mm. Image Credit: PI (Physik Instrumente) LP

High Dynamics Multi-Axis Operation Due to Parallel Kinematics

All actuators in a parallel-kinematic multi-axis system operate on a single platform. The axes’ uniform designs and low mass inertia make fast, dynamic, and precise motion possible.

Application Fields

Test and inspection: AOI (automated optical inspection),noncontact profilometry, sensor testing

Optics: Optical filters/switches, optical trapping, grid scan, tracking

Beam stabilization

Satellite communication

Image processing/stabilization

Laser micromachining. Laser tuning andlaserscanning/beam steering with large deflection angles

Specifications

Source: PI (Physik Instrumente) LP

Peak current, RMS: Max. duration 1.0 s

Settling time for 100% step: 44 mrad, 2% settling band, payload: 1-inch mirror 5 mm thickness

Distance of pivot point to platform surface: Gap below the platform's mounting surface