Miniature autofocussing stage can operate under flight conditions

The single-axis linear focussing stage and motion system directly drives an optronic device with a mass of around 25 to 35g over 20mm travel to within 2.5μm accuracy, based on an encoder resolution of 0.25μm. With shock to 40g and vibration to 12g, the stage, which features a preloaded bearing arrangement, achieves the high accelerations and fast settling times required to maintain focussing. The stage mechanics fit into a footprint of less than 65x45mm and weighs less than 50g. Temperature extremes of -40 to +50°C can be tolerated.

The piezo-ceramic motor used in the focussing stage is Nanomotion’s Edge 4X which provides 1.3N of force with a maximum velocity of 200mm/sec. With a linear encoder integrated into the stage, the micro-sized motor is powered and controlled by a XCD2 drive/control chip which would typically interface with an OEM specific motherboard and is programmed using a simple user interface that facilitates set up and downloading of motion scripts.

Proven applications for Nanomotion’s piezo-ceramic technology includes non-uniformity correction shutters and variable aperture devices on aeronautical and military instruments as well autofocus stages for target acquisition and FLIR spectroscopy equipment.