PI introduces next-generation 6-axis nanopositioning alignment system

With 500um linear travel in X, Y, and Z, a rotational range of 3 degrees, and true parallel-kinematic 6-DOF motion, PI says the new platform establishes a new standard for compactness, dynamic performance and precision in photonics, semiconductor, and microscopy applications.

A user programmable virtual pivot point (centre of rotation) and high-speed alignment routines built directly into the digital controller firmware further enhance versatility, accelerating setup and throughput.

PI's next-generation 6-axis automated alignment system for photonics and micro-optics features a user-programmable virtual pivot point and high-speed alignment routines.

PI's next-generation 6-axis automated alignment system for photonics and micro-optics features a user-programmable virtual pivot point and high-speed alignment routines.

Its integrated, rigid, and friction-free flexure structure provides high stiffness - characterised by a resonant frequency of 350 Hz - and enables fast dynamics with rapid step-and-settle performance, ideal for fast scanning and automated multi-channel photonics alignment.

Powered by PICMA all-ceramic actuators with demonstrated 100-billion-cycle lifetime, the system offers exceptional reliability even in 24/7 high-duty-cycle environments. Closed-loop position control with high-resolution sensors delivers nanometre-level repeatability across all motion axes.

In combination with PI's E-713 digital nanopositioning controllers the new NanoCube aligner features embedded high-speed routines for first-light detection, gradient search, coordinate scans, and multi-axis optimisation. By eliminating the need for external scripts or PC-side computation, these firmware algorithms significantly shorten alignment times in production workflows.

The NanoCube complements a wide range of advanced and proven alignment solutions that PI offers to the photonics industry - from its award-winning hexapod-based FMPA system to its cost- and throughput-optimised modular PINovAlign product family. As manufacturers continue to push for smaller footprints and higher throughput, this new piezo-flexure-based solution provides a powerful tool for high-volume photonics assembly and testing.

The new NanoCube automated alignment system is available now for OEM integration, research laboratories and fully automated photonics-alignment subsystems.