S-330 piezo tip/tilt platforms from Physik Instrumente (PI) are fast and compact tip/tilt units, providing precise angular motion of the top platform around two orthogonal axes. These flexure-guided, piezoelectric platforms can provide higher accelerations than other actuators, enabling step response times in the sub-millisecond range.
Closed-loop and open-loop versions with 3 different tilt ranges up to 10 mrad (20 mrad optical deflection) are available.

Parallel-Kinematics Improve Stability, Linearity & Dynamics
PI piezo steering mirrors are based on a parallel-kinematics design with coplanar rotational axes and a single moving platform driven by two pairs of differential actuators. The advantage is jitter-free, multi-axis motion with excellent temperature stability. Compared to stacked, (two-stage), mirror scanners, the parallel-kinematics design provides symmetrical dynamic performance in both axes with faster response and better linearity in a smaller package.

The single pivot-point design also prevents the drawback of polarization rotation, which is common with stacked systems, e.g. galvo scanners.

Closed-Loop Operation
High-resolution, absolute measuring strain gauge sensors (SGS) are applied to appropriate places on the drive train and feed the platform position information back to a piezoelectric controller. The sensors are connected in a full-bridge configuration to eliminate thermal drift, and assure optimal position stability and rapid response with nanometer resolution.

Superior Lifetime with Ceramic-Encapsulated Piezos
Highest possible reliability is assured by the use of award-winning PICMA® multilayer piezo actuators. PICMA® actuators are the only ceramic-encapsulated actuators on the market, which makes them resistant to ambient humidity and leakage-current failures. They are thus far superior to conventional actuators in reliability and lifetime.

Features

• Resolution to 20 nrad, Excellent Position Stability
• Optical Beam Deflection to 20 mrad (>1°)
• Higher Dynamics, Stability & Linearity Through Parallel-Kinematics Design
• Sub-Millisecond Response
• For Mirrors up to 50 mm Diameter
• Closed-Loop Versions for Better Linearity
• Excellent Temperature Stability

Application Examples

• Image processing / stabilization
• Interlacing, dithering
• Laser scanning / beam steering
• Optics
• Optical filters
• Beam stabilization