Precision Two-Axis Fast Steering Mirror Platform by Physik Instrumente Introduced

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 16 August 2024 16:22

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 14, 2024

Physik Instrumente (PI) has announced the release of the S-335 fast steering mirror (FSM), a two-axis tip-tilt platform designed for high-resolution and fast-motion applications. The S-335 utilizes solid-state piezo drives, making it ideal for tasks such as precise laser beam control and high-resolution imaging. The innovative design of the S-335 enables extensive angular travel by employi

Precision Two-Axis Fast Steering Mirror Platform by Physik Instrumente Introduced
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 14, 2024

Physik Instrumente (PI) has announced the release of the S-335 fast steering mirror (FSM), a two-axis tip-tilt platform designed for high-resolution and fast-motion applications. The S-335 utilizes solid-state piezo drives, making it ideal for tasks such as precise laser beam control and high-resolution imaging.

The innovative design of the S-335 enables extensive angular travel by employing motion-amplified piezo actuators operating in a differential push-pull mode for each axis. The platform's closed-loop control, enhanced by feedback sensors, ensures exceptional repeatability and accuracy.

The S-335 mirror system offers a mechanical angular deflection of 35 milliradians across two axes, translating to an optical deflection of 70 milliradians. For extended durability, all PI piezo mirror mounts, including the S-335, are equipped with PICMA multilayer piezo stacks. These ceramic-encapsulated stacks have demonstrated an impressive lifespan, surviving over 100 billion cycles in life tests conducted for the Mars Rover Space mission.

In addition to the S-335, PI offers a range of steering mirrors driven by voice coils, which provide greater travel ranges, as well as fast steering mirrors qualified for use in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

The S-335 can be operated via digital nanopositioning motion controllers such as the E-727 multi-axis controller series. Integration into existing systems is simplified with the availability of LabVIEW drivers and MATLAB example code.

FSMs like the S-335 are typically used to direct laser beams or enhance image resolution by correcting wavefront errors before they reach the imaging sensor. Image resolution can also be enhanced when the mirror is operated in pixel shift mode, where sub-pixel resolution is achieved by moving the sensor or the incoming light in fractional pixel increments.

More information on Fast Steering Mirrors