Translation Stage

Physik Instrumente (PI) LP (Auburn, MA) introduced the P-652 piezoelectric linear-motor driven translation stage, measuring 9.0 × 6.5 × 2.4 mm. Consisting of four parts (ultrasonic piezoelectric resonator, two lateral sliders, and a spring doubling as the moving carriage), the device can replace classical drive elements in a micro-system. The stage offers a travel range of 3.2 mm and can move up to 80 mm/sec. The load to be moved is mounted directly on the carriage and moved by a force of up to 100 mN. The unit is backlash free (no lead screws), with power consumption in steady state conditions being zero. No external brake is needed to maintain stability. Other features are: 55 mA operating current, holding force of >0.2 N, and a resolution of better than 0.1 microns.