Compact Fast Alignment System for Photonics and Fiber Optics, F-141 PINovAlign
Cost-Optimized 4-DOF/6-DOF System with Fast Alignment Algorithms — Ideal for PIC Array Test & Assembly
- Ideal for array alignment of photonic components
- Single and dual-sided configurations
- Compact 4-DOF/6-DOF photonics scan & alignment system for high dynamics & duty cycle. 2- & 3-axis configurations also available.
- Optimized moving platform provides convenient mounting with minimal lever arm for direct optical probe
- Embedded PI proprietary alignment algorithms provide industry-leading alignment speed – up to 100X faster
Fast and high-precision 4-DOF motion for high-throughput alignment and scanning
The F-141 PINovAlign is a cost-optimized multi-axis precision alignment system designed for fast and accurate motion in X, Y, Z & Theta-Y directions. It consists of three V-141 three-phase motor-driven, crossed roller bearing stages stacked stacked in a XY+Z arrangement with a custom voice-coil motor-driven, flexure-based rotary stage mounted to the front of the Z stage. The Z-stage is equipped with a pneumatic counterbalance and brake.
The combination of ultra-precision crossed roller bearings and flexures plus compact size offers high performance motion with excellent stiffness and positioning stability. The compact geometry minimizes angular errors for highly repeatable positioning at the probe tip. Direct drive motors and optical encoders enable this system to perform fast scanning motion for alignment over short and long travel ranges. An optional manually adjustable pitch/yaw base for the system allows for full adjustment in all six degrees of freedom. Other configurations are available for applications with different optical axis orientations.
Two Options for 6DOF Alignment
The F-141 PINovAlign system is available in two 6DOF configurations: one with four fast motorized axes (X, Y, Z, and rotation around the optical axis) combined with two manual pitch/yaw adjustments, and a fully motorized version with all six degrees of freedom under software control. The fully motorized version enables complete automation, while the hybrid version offers a cost-effective solution with manual angular adjustment in set & forget applications for pitch and yaw. The video shows a programmable pivot point demonstration of the fully motorized 6DOF variant.
The system is controlled by an advanced multi-axis ACS EtherCAT® control system with a computationally optimized master processor providing rapid signal analysis for onboard machine learning. Sophisticated scan and alignment routines are embedded in the controller, offering improved performance and simple integration compared to software-based alignment algorithms running on the host computer.
PI proprietary active alignment algorithms provide unparalleled performance with the shortest first-light detection and signal optimization times in the industry. The system can manage all tasks in the field of photonics and fiber optics alignment including simultaneous alignment in several degrees of freedom. The use of ultra-low noise electronics, PWM amplifiers, and onboard integrated analog inputs for the high-bandwidth optical power meter enable repeatable and stable optical signal coupling in a variety of environments.
