The 8301-V Vacuum Compatible Picomotor™ Actuator has 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) travel, and is an ideal device for motorizing fine-positioning stages and mounts in your optical or mechanical systems. Use it with our opto-mechanical translation stages or your own custom devices. It has better than 30-nm resolution with minimal backlash, and can exert a 5-lb (22-N) force. Moreover, it offers exceptional long-term stability and the ability to hold their position with no power applied. These last two features make the Picomotor unique among motion-control devices and ideal for typical set-and-hold applications. Such applications include precision control of sample holders inside cold and/or vacuum chambers, hands-off adjustment of hard-to-reach mirror mounts (like those in the center of a large setup), or adjustments of optical mounts that are sensitive to forces applied while twisting a knob (for instance optimizing the alignment of a laser cavity or adjusting the pointing of a beam over a long distance).
Our Picomotor actuators have a step size of less than 30 nm per step, allowing for very small, controlled movements. Note that the step size for open-loop picomotors varies from step to step and between forward and backward directions, and is directly related to payload – hence, position feedback should be provided by an external signal when operating an open-loop picomotor. For vacuum applications requiring absolute position calibration and high repeatability, consider a Vacuum Compatible Closed-Loop Picomotor actuator.
All of our vacuum compatible and ultra-high vacuum compatible Picomotor actuators come with short, Teflon-coated leads so you can make connections to your vacuum-chamber feedthrough. If, however, you are working with X-rays or other high-radiation applications, we offer versions with Kapton-coated wire extensions.
We offer both Open-Loop Picomotor controllers and drivers as well as Closed-Loop Picomotor controllers and drivers. You have two interface options with the controller system: hand pad or computer, both providing plug-and-play use. Alternatively for open-loop actuators, you may choose to use our TTL/Analog Picomotor driver.
The Picomotor actuator moves when voltage is applied to the piezo, changing its length and in turn moving the jaws which turn the screw. When no power is applied, the actuator does not move. You can feel confident that your set-up will stay put, even when you power down your system.
With a load capacity of 5 lbs (22 N) for our standard sized Picomotor actuators and 3 lbs (13 N) for our tiny Picomotor actuator, they feature a substantial push force.
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