F-712.MA1 High-Precision Single-Sided Fiber Alignment System
Stacked Multi-Axis System for Aligning Fibers and Optical Components
- Integrated scan routines for fiber optic alignment
- Ideal for applications in silicon photonics
- Extensive software package
- Direct detection of the optical signal
- Position sensors for high accuracy and operational reliability
- Automatic alignment of several fibers in <0.2s
Fast and high-precision drives
The basis of the fiber alignment system is a very stiff XYZ setup consisting of three motorized linear stages and a P-616 NanoCube® nanopositioner. The low overall height simplifies integration in limited installation space. The motorized drives make longer travel ranges possible and at the same time, the NanoCube® nanopositioner ensures fast scanning motion and dynamic compensation of drift effects. Flexure guides and all-ceramic insulated PICMA® actuators guarantee a long lifetime. Because all drives are equipped with position sensors, it is possible for example, to reliably prevent collisions with expensive silicon wafers.
High-performance scan routines
The sophisticated scan routines are integrated directly into the controller. The performance is improved considerably and integration simplified. The system can manage all tasks in the field of fiber alignment. For example, this makes simultaneous alignment in several degrees of freedom possible.
Extensive software package
The software package supplied in the scope of delivery allows integration of the system into virtually any environment. All common operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS as well as a large number of common programming languages including MATLAB and NI LabVIEW are supported. Thanks to sophisticated program examples and the use of software tools such as PIMikroMove, the time between starting integrating and productive operation is shortened considerably.
High-resolution analog input
The controller receives the optical intensity signal directly via a high-resolution analog input. Complex setups with cameras are not necessary. Various distribution functions are available for determining the maximum intensity.
Application fields
Alignment of optical components, automatic wafer tests, assembling technology in silicon photonics
Specifications
Specifications
Motion and positioning | F-712.MA1 | Unit |
---|---|---|
Number of active axes | 6 | |
Rough positioning | ||
Active axes | X, Y, Z | |
Travel range in X, Y, Z | 25, 25, 25 | mm |
Minimum incremental motion | 3 | µm |
Max. velocity | 20 | mm/s |
Sensor type | Rotary encoder | |
Guide | Crossed roller guide | |
Drive type | DC motor | |
Fine positioning | ||
Active axes | X, Y, Z | |
Travel range in X, Y, Z, closed loop | 100 | µm |
Min. incremental motion, open-loop | 0.3 | nm |
Min. incremental motion, closed-loop | 2.5 | nm |
Linearity error, for the entire travel range* | 2 | % |
Repeatability (bidirectional) 10% travel range | 2 | nm |
Sensor type | Incremental | |
Drive type | PICMA® | |
Alignment | ||
Scanning time of spiraled area scan 500 µm Ø** | <3 | s |
Scanning time of spiraled area scan 100 µm Ø** | <0.3 | s |
Scanning time of spiraled area scan 10 µm Ø** | <0.2 | s |
Scanning time, gradient scan, randomized with ±5 µm (repeatability < 0.01 dB)*** | <0.3 | s |
Downloads
Product Note
Datasheet
Documentation
User Manual F603T0003
F-603.41 / F-603.42 / F-603.43 Fiber holders for P-616-type (NanoCube®) piezo positioners
User Manual F712T0002
F-712.MA1 and F-712.MA2 Stacked Multi-Axis Systems for Fast Multi-Channel Photonics Alignment. Hardware description.
User Manual E712T0016
Fast Multi-Channel Photonics Alignment. Hardware and Firmware for Fast Optical Alignment in Silicon Photonics Production.
User Manual F712T0019
Calculation of Optical Power - Using the F-712.PM1 Power Meter with F-712 High-Precision Fiber Alignment Systems
3D Models
F-712.MA1 3-D model
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Technology
Active Alignment
The need to align devices down to nanoscale accuracy is arising in many fields. Optical components such as the lenses or lens assemblies in small cameras, or even the CCD chip itself, need to be positioned with ever more precision.
EtherCAT Connectivity of PI Products
PI offers high-precision drives for use as EtherCAT slave, or integrates with ACS Motion Controllers as Master, or 2nd Master in an existing architecture.
Controllers & Software
Fast settling or extremely smooth low speed motion, high positional stability, high resolution and high dynamics – the requirements placed on piezo systems vary greatly and need drivers and controllers with a high degree of flexibility.
Digital Motion Controllers
Digital technology opens up possibilities for improving performance in control engineering which do not exist with conventional analog technology.
Control of Piezo Actuators
Characteristic properties of piezo actuators include high feed forces and fast response. Since piezoelectric actuators react to even the smallest change in voltage with a motion, noise or drift in the control must be avoided.
Digital & Analog Interfaces
Fast USB or TCP/IP interfaces as well as RS-232 are the standard interfaces supported by modern digital controllers from PI. Furthermore, PI also provides digital or analog real-time capable interfaces.
Multi-Axis Positioners
Hexapod platforms are used for precision positioning and alignment of loads in all six degrees of freedom, three linear axes, and three rotational axes.
Applications
SiPh Testing, Assembly, and Packaging
When it comes to throughput and production costs in testing, assembling, and packaging of photonic devices, alignment is one of the most significant cost factors. For maximum performance, the optimal combination of accuracy, speed, and intelligent automation is needed.
Hexapods in Microproduction
What do optical components and glass fibers in photonics, mobile devices, and high-quality wristwatches all have in common?