PI (Physik Instrumente) announced the P-616.65S NanoCube, a 6-axis piezo alignment platform. The system provides 500 µm linear travel in X, Y and Z, 3° rotation in θX, θY and θZ, and parallel-kinematic 6-DOF motion for photonics, semiconductor and microscopy applications. A user-programmable virtual pivot point (center of rotation) and alignment routines built into the digital controller firmware expand setup options and can reduce alignment time.
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.
High stiffness for rapid step and settle
An integrated flexure structure provides high stiffness, with a resonant frequency of 350 Hz, supporting fast step-and-settle behavior for scanning and automated multi-channel photonics alignment. The platform uses PICMA all-ceramic actuators rated for long cycle life and is intended for high-duty operation. Closed-loop position control with high-resolution sensors supports nanometer-level repeatability across all axes.
Key technical highlights:
- Ultra-compact 6-axis alignment system sized for tight spaces
- 500 µm travel range in X, Y and Z
- 3° rotation in θX, θY and θZ for full 6-DOF adjustment
- User-selectable virtual pivot point in software for multi-axis alignment
- Nanometer-level resolution and repeatability to help reduce insertion loss
- Parallel-kinematic flexure design for uniform stiffness and low friction
- Compact aluminum construction that is vacuum compatible and resistant to shock and vibration
Firmware routines to speed alignment
With PI’s E-713 digital nanopositioning controllers, the NanoCube includes embedded routines for first-light detection, gradient search, coordinate scans and multi-axis optimization. These functions run in the controller firmware, reducing reliance on external scripts or PC-side computation and helping shorten alignment steps in production workflows.
Compact platform for photonics alignment
The NanoCube adds to PI’s photonics alignment lineup, including hexapod-based systems and modular PINovAlign products. For applications moving toward smaller equipment footprints and higher throughput, this piezo-flexure platform is aimed at photonics assembly and testing tasks.
The NanoCube automated alignment system is available for OEM integration, research laboratories and automated photonics-alignment subsystems.
Industries served
Photonics wafer test, micro-optics assembly, photonics chip test and assembly, SR-microscopy.
For more information, visit pi-usa.us.
Filed Under: Tables • stages • indexers • hexapods
