The basis of the fiber alignment system is an XYZ setup consisting of three motorized linear stages from the M-111 series for rough alignment and a P-611 NanoCube® nanopositioner. The motorized drives make longer travel ranges possible and at the same time, the NanoCube® nanopositioner ensures fast scanning motion and precision positioning. Flexure guides and all-ceramic insulated PICMA® actuators guarantee a long lifetime. Because all drives are equipped with position sensors, it is possible for example, to reliably prevent collisions with expensive silicon wafers.
The highly developed scan routine is integrated directly in the controller for controlling the P-611 NanoCube® nanopositioner. The performance is improved considerably and integration simplified. This allows ideal management of all applications where analog signal optimization is the basis such as for example, in the field of photonics.
The fiber alignment system is supplied as a complete package with the required C-884.4DC and E-727.AS controllers as well as with extensive software including the PIMikroMove graphic user software for startup and operation of all PI systems.
Programming interfaces are included in the software package that allow the user to integrate a PI controller into their own user programs. The control of the positioning system therefore becomes part of the user program. Interfaces are available for all common programming languages including NI LabVIEW and Matlab.
Furthermore, there is an option to purchase the C-990.FA1 software. It provides a particularly convenient method for setting up the axes for scanning, performing the scans, and displaying the results.
The optical intensity signal is made available to the controllers directly via their analog inputs. The E-727.AS controller that controls the NanoCube® nanopositioner is equipped with an extremely high-resolution and high dynamics analog input. This makes it possible to acquire the optical signal quickly and precisely and find the maximum intensity automatically.
Alignment of optical components, qualification of optical components in silicon photonics
Motion and positioning | F-131.3SD1 | Unit |
|---|---|---|
Number of active axes | 6 | |
Rough positioning | ||
Active axes | X, Y, Z | |
Travel range in X, Y, Z | 15, 15, 15 | mm |
Typical minimum incremental motion | 0.05 | µm |
Design resolution | 0.0069 | µm |
Typical unidirectional repeatability | 0.25 | µm |
Typical backlash X, Y, Z | 3 | µm |
Max. velocity | 1.5 | mm/s |
Sensor type | Rotary encoder | |
Guide | Ball guide | |
Drive type | DC gear motor | |
Fine positioning | ||
Active axes | X, Y, Z | |
Travel range in X, Y, Z, closed loop | 100 | µm |
Typical resolution, open loop | 0.2 | nm |
Typical resolution, closed loop | 1 | nm |
Typical linearity error, for the entire travel range | 0.1 | % |
Typical repeatability (bidirectional) | <10 | nm |
Sensor type | SGS | |
Drive type | PICMA® |
F-131.3SD1 X,Y,Z Alignment System
E-727.AS Digital Multi-Channel Piezo Controller With Area Scan Routines for Fast Optical Alignment in Silicon Photonics Production
P-611 Nanopositioning Systems with Strain Gauge Sensors / without Sensor
M-110.xxx1 / M-111.xxx1 / M-112.xxx1 Microtranslation Stage
C-884.4DC and C-884.6DC Motion Controller for DC Motors and Brushless DC Motors, 4 or 6 Axes
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When it comes to throughput and production costs in testing, assembling, and packaging of photonic devices, alignment is one of the most significant cost factors. For maximum performance, the optimal combination of accuracy, speed, and intelligent automation is needed.
What do optical components and glass fibers in photonics, mobile devices, and high-quality wristwatches all have in common?
