| Home | Products | Applications | Suppliers | News | About | Contact |
Home > Suppliers > PI (Physik Instrumente)
PI (Physik Instrumente)Incorporating PI Ceramic |
|
When PI introduced piezoelectric nanopositioning technology almost 40 years ago, typical customers were research labs and universities working on laser cavity tuning, Fabry-Perot interferometers and filters. Few foresaw that whole industrial sectors like semiconductor manufacturing or biotechnology would become dependent on progress in nanopositioning. Today, not even the precision machining industry can do without nanometre-level positioning systems.
PI follows a vertical integration strategy designed to develop and maintain all key technologies in-house. They supervise each and every step from design to delivery in the following areas: software, precision mechanics, digital and analogue control electronics, sub-nanometre capacitive position sensors, piezo ceramics and piezo actuators. This assures the highest quality and reduces cost.
Micro & Nano Positioning
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Actuators & Motors
In addition to classical precision actuators (leadscrew & ballscrew designs) Warsash Scientific also provide a number of advanced piezo motor actuators.
Ultrasonic PILine® ceramic motors are also referred to as resonant motors, and NEXACT®/ NEXLINE® PiezoWalk® motors are also referred to as piezo step motors (not related to inertial motors). Both can, in principle, attain unlimited travel, yet they are very different in their design, specifications and performance. These long-travel devices are different in nature to the classical (shorter-travel) piezo stack, bender and flexure actuators.
PILine resonant motors are characterised by a simple design and high speed to 800mm/s.
NEXLINE & NEXACT stepping piezo motor actuators are more complex and can achieve much higher resolution, forces and dynamic performance (analogue mode).
A great advantage of piezo motors is their intrinsic steady-state auto-locking capability. It does away with servo dither and the accompanying heat generation, an undesirable feature of electromagnetic linear motors. Stepping and resonant (continuous) piezo motors are in principle nonmagnetic and vacuum-compatible, a requirement for many applications in the semiconductor optics and medical industry.
Products
- PiezoWalk® Linear Motors: High Force, Sub-nanometre Resolution
- Ultrasonic Linear Motors: High Speed, Resolution to 50nm
- Classical Screw Drive Actuators
- Other Piezo (Linear) Actuators & Flexure Stages
PILine® Ultrasonic Piezo Motors Press Release (63KB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Nanopositioning / Piezo Systems / Steering Mirrors
PI is the global leader in piezo nanopositioning and scanning systems. Warsash Scientific offer a wide variety of standard piezostage systems as well as custom tailored solutions from PI.
These piezo stage positioners and scanners with frictionless flexure guidance are decidedly superior to positioners with conventional guiding systems in terms of resolution, reproducibility, straightness and flatness.
Products
- Nanofocusing/Scanning Drives
- Parallel-Metrology Multiaxis Stages
- Z-Stages/Actuators
- Compact X/XY/XYZ Systems
- Single Axis Stages
- Stages with Aperture
- 6-Axis Stages
- Piezo Tip/Tilt Mirrors
- Piezo Actuators
- Nanopositioning Linear Motors
- Nanomeasuring/Capacitance Sensors
- Piezo Controllers
Press Release: XY Microscopy Stages with PILine Linear Drives (113KB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Piezoelectrics
A Piezoelectric translator (linear actuator) is a solid-state ceramic actuator which converts electrical energy directly into linear motion (mechanical energy) with virtually unlimited resolution.
Piezo actuators, available from Warsash Scientific, are designed to combine ultra-high performance with long lifetime in industrial and scientific applications. The piezo ceramic design provides the capability and flexibility to offer highly engineered custom sub-assemblies at a very attractive price.
Products
- Multilayer Chips and Stacks
- High Force Stacks
- Preloaded Stacks
- Benders, Bimorphs & Piezo-Composite Transducers
- Piezoceramic Tubes
- Shear Actuators
- Piezo Mike Actuators
- NEXLINE®/NEXACT® High-Force Motors
- PILine® Linear Motor-Actuator
- Flexure Actuators / Stages
- Piezo Tip/Tilt Mirrors
- Piezo Controllers
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Nanometrology/Position Sensors
These capacitive (capacitance) sensors are the metrology system of choice for the most demanding nanopositioning applications. They are absolute-measuring, high-dynamics devices. Capacitive sensors/control electronics use a high-frequency AC excitation signal for enhanced bandwidth and drift-free measurement stability (subnanometre stability over several hours).
They enable direct measurement of the moving platform and are especially well-suited for multi-axis measurements in parallel metrology configurations. Parallel metrology means that the controller monitors all controlled degrees of freedom relative to "ground", a prerequisite for active trajectory control.
Capacitive sensors also offer the highest linearity (accuracy).
Products
- Two Electrode Sensors
- PISeca™ Single-Probe Sensors
- PISeca™ Electronics
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Hexapods, Tripods / Parallel Kinematics
PI is the leading manufacturer of Hexapod high-performance micro- and nanopositioning systems. These parallel-kinematics devices, in a number of different forms, are suitable for diverse applications, ranging from handling systems in electronics fabrication and tool control in precision machining, through medical technology, to optical systems like those found in space telescopes and satellite receiving antennas. Various models of the powerful parallel kinematic machines (PKM) can move masses of 50, 200 or even 1000 kilograms with micron accuracy as required in the irrespective applications.
Products
- High-Load Hexapods
- Miniature Hexapod
- Vacuum Compatible Hexapods
- Precise 6-Axis Micro Alignment System
- Weatherproof Hexapods
- Tripods
- Hexapods in Astronomy
- Multi-Axis Stages
- Parallel-Kinematics Piezo Flexure Designs
- Controllers for Hexapods
- Ultra-High Load Hexapod
- Hexapods for Extreme Environments
H-811 Mini Hexapod Press Release (137KB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Motorised and Manual Stages & Actuators
PI is the leading manufacturer of Hexapod 6-axis micro- and nanopositioning systems. In addition to these parallel kinematics devices, Warsash Scientific offer a wide selection of innovative precision positioning systems such as miniature linear slides, precision rotary stages, hybrid ultra-precision positioning systems for science and industry.
Products range from ceramic linear motors to motorised actuators, translation stages, rotation stages and include systems with integrated controllers.
Products
- Hexapod 6-Axis Stages
- Micro Motorized Stage Series
- DC/Stepper Translation Stages
- Hybrid Stages: Piezo + Servo
- Precision Linear Actuators
- Rotary Stages
- Vertical Stages (Z-Stages)
- Voice Coil Scanning Stages
- Piezo Linear Motor /Stages
- Motion Controllers
- Piezo Nanopositioning Stages
- Piezo Actuators
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Motion Controllers / Piezo Controllers
Warsash Scientific offer a large variety of innovative motion control solutions for precision micropositioning devices from linear motors to fast voice-coil-driven scanners and complex Hexapod 6-degree-of-freedom robots.
Included standard products range from compact, single-axis controllers for DC servomotors, ultrasonic linear motors and voice coil drives, to sophisticated control systems for parallel kinematic machines. Standard automation controllers handle up to 18 axes. Custom systems have been built capable of coordinating up to 273 axes.
Products
- Compact Servo Controllers
- PCI Board Controllers with Amps
- Rack-Mount Controller
- Piezo Motor Controller
- Stepper Motor Controller
- Automation Controller
- Hybrid DC/Piezo Controller
- Piezo Controllers/Amplifiers
- Hexapod Controllers
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Photonics Alignment Solutions
Warsash Scientific provide a great variety of innovative solutions for photonics packaging and alignment automation. Products range from 6D micromotion robots for industrial automation, through high-speed power meters, ultra-fast piezoelectric scanning modules to modular devices with manual control for laboratory test setups.
Applications include automated angular alignment of collimated fibres or arrays, thin-film WDM
Products
- 6-Axis Alignment System
- XYZ Fibre Alignment System
- Power Meter
- Miniature Translation Stages
- Piezo Alignment Add-On
- Automation Platform
- Piezo Stacks and Chips
- Steering Mirrors
- Piezoceramic Benders & Tubes
Microscopy Products
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PInano® Cap XY(Z) Piezo System
Key Features
- Highest stability and repeatabilily
- Travel ranges up to 200 x 200 x 200µm
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- ms-response times
- Low Profile for easy integration: 20mm
- Recessed slide holder, free rotation of turret
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PInano® XY(Z) Piezo System
Key Features
- Cost-effective design due to piezoresistive sensors
- Travel ranges up to 200 x 200 x 200µm
- Low profile for easy integration: 20mm
- Large clear aperture for 3x1" object slides, recessed sample holders
- Outstanding lifetime due to PICMA® piezo actuators
- Sub-nanometer resolution, ms-response times
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PInano® Trak Piezo Tracking System
Key Features
- Fast response < 5 ms with sub-nanometer resolution: ideal for tracking
- Travel ranges up to 70 x 70 x 50µm
- Low profile for easy integration: 20mm
- Recessed slide holder, free rotation of turret
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PInano® Piezo Controller
Key Features
- Low-noise 24 bit D/A converter
- 25 kHz sampling rate
- Linearization for piezoresistive sensors
- Notch filter for higher bandwidth
- TCP/IP, USB, RS-232 and three analogue interfaces
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Open-Frame Microscope Stage
Key Features
- Stable platform for P-545
- PInano® piezo nanopositioning systems
- Low profile for easy integration: 30mm
- Travel range 25 x 25 mm
- Micrometer screws, motor upgrade available
- For inverted microscopes made by Nikon, Zeiss, Leica and Olympus
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PInano® Z Microscopy Scanner
Key Features
- Fastest settling time up to 5ms
- Low profile for easy integration
- Travel ranges 100 or 200µm
- Outstanding lifetime due to PICMA® piezo ceramic stacks
- Low-cost due to piezoresistive sensors
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PIFOC® Objective Scanning System 100 µm
Key Features
- Complete system with digital controller and software
- Travel range 100µm
- Scans and positions objectives with sub-nanometer resolution
- Frictionless, high-precision flexure guiding system
- Direct metrology with capacitive sensors
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PIFOC® Objective Scanning System 400µm
Key Features
- Complete system with digital controller and software
- Travel ranges to 400µm
- Scans and positions objectives with sub-nanometer resolution
- Frictionless, high-precision flexure guiding system
- Direct metrology with capacitive sensors
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Compact and Cost-Optimized Digital Piezo Controller
Key Features
- Linearity to 0.02%
- Fast 25 Mbit/s serial interface
- Comprehensive I/O functions
- Low-cost OEM versions available
- Extensive software support
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
XY Microscope Stage with Motor, Controller & Joystick
Key Features
- Highest stability
- 0.1µm resolution
- Travel range up to 135 x 85mm
- For inverted microscopes, free rotation of turret
- Suitable Z sample scanner available
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PIFOC® Sample Focus Positioner
Key Features
- High-speed piezo
- Z motion with travel ranges up to 500µm
- Nanometer-resolution
- Clear aperture 100 x 148mm to accommodate sample holders and microtitre plates
- Perfect mechanical fit with XY OEM manual or motorized stages
- Millisecond response times
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Miniature Tip/Tilt Steering Mirror
Key Features
- Extremely compact design
- Optical beam deflection to 100mrad (approx. 5.7°)
- One moving platform with fixed pivot point; prevents a polarisation rotation
- Factory-installed mirror
- ms-response times, resolution to 0.2µrad
- Closed-loop control for high accuracy
- For mirrors up to 12.5mm (0.5") diameter
- Frictionless, high-precision flexure guiding system
- Parallel kinematics for enhanced dynamics and better multi-axis accuracy
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Open-Frame Microscope Stage System
Key Features
- Motorized with PILine® linear drives
- Controller and software included
- Stable platform for P-545 PInano® piezo nanopositioning systems
- Low profile for easy integration: 30mm
- Travel range 25 x 25mm
- For inverted microscopes made by Nikon, Zeiss, Leica, and Olympus
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Digital Motion Controllers
A significant advantage of digital controllers from PI is that all motion parameters can be optimized and modified by the user. This serves to increase the precision and dynamic characteristics as well as the ease of use.
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
The Right Position Sensor Technology
Positioning systems that need to provide accuracies in the range of a few nanometers and below require a position measurement technique that can also detect motion in this range. The most important specifications for selecting a suitable method are linearity, resolution (sensitivity), stability, bandwidth and last but not least cost. Another important factor is the ability to detect the motion of the moving platform. The contact with the movable parts also affects the measuring result.
PI nanopositioners use three different types of sensors, capacitive, strain gauges and linear encoders.
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PILine® Ultrasonic Piezomotors
These linear drives dispense with themechanical complexity of classical rotary motor/gear/leadscrew combinations. These components can be very susceptible to wear, especially in miniaturised systems.
Key Features
- Integration levels from economical OEM motors to multi-axis positioning systems
- Excellent dynamic properties, fast step & settle
- Basically unlimited travel ranges
- Easy mechanical integration
- Self-locking at rest
- Holding force up to 15N
- Velocity up to 500mm/s
- Resolution to 0.05µm (50 nm)
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
PICMA® Piezo Actuators
Key Features
- Sub-nanometer resolution
- High reliability and superior lifetime through fully ceramic insulation
- Low operating voltage < 150V
- High dynamics: response times in the range of a few microseconds
- High power generation
- Minimum power consumption when holding the position
- Ideal for OEMApplications
- Neutral in magnetic fields
- UHV-compatible
- For cryogenic environments
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
Technology From: PI (Physik Instrumente)
Flexure Guides
Flexure guides guide the piezo actuator and ensure a straight motion without tilting or lateral offset. A solid material is deformed by a frictionless, stictionless device (flexure) — completely with out rolling or sliding parts. This deformation is sufficient to guide the actuator over travel ranges from several 10 to 100µm.
PI Microscopy Brochure (1.54MB)[ Send Enquiry ]
