Nanopositioners, Piezo Stage Positioners,
Flexure Positioners, Piezo Scanners

Product Examples


Microscopy Stages / Z-Motors
Multiaxis Piezo Stages (Parallel-Metrology)
Z-Piezo Stages / Actuators

Compact X / XY / XYZ Systems
Single Axis Piezo Stages
Piezo Stage with Aperture

6-Axis Piezo Stages
Piezo Motor Micro Stages
Piezo Motor Linear Piezo Stages

Scanning Stages w/ Voice Coil Drive
NEXLINE® / NEXACT® Piezo Motor Linear Actuators
Hybrid Piezo Stages: Piezo+DC Servo

Open-Frame XY Piezo-Motor Stage
Piezo Tip/Tilt Mirrors
Piezo Stack Actuators

PCI-Board Piezo Controllers
1-Channel Piezo Controllers
Digital Piezo Controllers

 

 

 

 

Introduction to High-Precision Positioners / Motion Control Systems

Piezo Stage PDF Catalog (3 MB)    Flexure NanoPositioners
PI designs and manufactures the fastest and highest precision piezo positiong stages in the world. PI Piezo Positioners provide faster response & velocity and higher resolution, accuracy, straightness and flatnes compared to motorized stages positioners
See Technologies that set PI apart for further information.

Ultra-Low-Inertia NanoPositioners

Click here for NanoPositioner Selection Guide

PI offers the largest variety of custom and standard ultra-low inertia NanoPositioning Solutions. 
 

Examples of Parallel-Kinematics / Metrology NanoPositioning Systems 

Ultra-Low-Inertia NanoPositioning Systems, Ultra-High Precision Position Sensors


Ultra-low-inertia solid-state piezo positioners can repeatedly move bidirectional nanometer level steps, at up to hundreds of Hz if required. 

Two plate capacitive position sensors ensure highest linearity and longterm stability. 
These absolute-measuring, non-contact  sensors detect motion at sub-nanometer levels directly (direct output metrology) and provide accuracy, linearity, resolution, stability and bandwidth superior to strain gauge type sensors (piezo resistive sensors), LVDT sensors and incremental encoders (glass scale type encoders).  If used in parallel-kinematics multi-axis systems, they can also provide the information for automatic runout-compensation.

Minimized recoil forces are a by-product of the ultra-low-inertia approach.  Classical Micropositioning stages, even when equipped with high-resolution encoders cannot achieve this precision.  Their high inertia, friction, and servo dither prevent fast motion at the nanometer level.

Click here for more information on PI Capacitive Position Sensors 
Trajectory Control

Active Trajectory Control.

Active Trajectory Control is available on single-module parallel-metrology nanopositioning systems. It can improve straightness and flatness to sub-nanometer precision. Digital controllers with advanced coordinate transformation algorithms allow active trajectory control for up to 6 DoF. 

 

DDL

Dynamic Digital Linearization


Preshaping™ algorithms and dynamic digital linearization can increase the dynamic linearity and effective bandwidth of high-speed nanopositioning systems by up to 3 orders of magnitude. This translates into higher dynamic accuracy, and increased throughput. 

Applications range from out-of-round machining (pistons, contact lenses, optics) to scanning microscopy.

Flexure Technology

 Flexures, if designed properly, are very stiff & robust, light weight, maintenance free, and provide nanometer to sub-nanometer-level guiding precision (simple designs induce cosine runout errors). They are vacuum compatible and frictionless and require neither lubricants nor air films. 

Not all flexures are created equal!
PI multi-axis NanoPositioning systems are based on FEA calculated wire-EDM-cut parallel-kinematics flexure designs

Serial vs. Parallel Kinematics
A) Stacking two single-axis stages (serial kinematics) Simple design but:
  • Slower response (lower stage carries inertial mass of upper stage);
  • Non-symmetric dynamic behavior (lower stage is slower than upper stage, requires different servo settings).
  • Orthogonality error is mounting-angle dependant.

    • Active Trajectory control not possible
B) Single-module (monolithic) but nested (serial) X and Y.
Thinner and better response than A) but no other advantages
C) Single-module parallel-kinematics X and Y (with crosstalk compensation).
Best solution. 
  • Same ultra-low inertia for X and Y motion, providing higher responsiveness and axis-independent performance. 
  • Excellent, mounting independent orthogonality. 
  • Parallel-Metrology "sees" controlled degrees of freedom. Active Trajectory Control automatically compensates for runout.  

    • Additional rotation axis (Theta z ) feasible with 3 actuators / sensors and digital controller.

Piezo Nano Positioning Stage Overview

*Models Axes *Travel [µm] *Feedback Notes PDF File
Objective Nano-Focus Positioners
Specifications for: Long Travel Piezo Positioner for Microscope Objectives Z 100, 250, 400 capacitive NEW: Extra long range, very compact & light weight PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: Piezo Positioner for Microscope Objectives Z 100 capacitive NEW: Microscope objective positioner.
Now with QuickLock 		PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: Compact Piezo Positioner for Microscope Objectives Z 100 capacitive, LVDT Microscope objective positioner PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-722, P-723
Piezo Microscope Objective Z-Stepper		 Z 200, 350 LVDT Microscope objective positioner PDF Datasheet
 
Open Loop Linear Piezo Positioners (1-Axis Stages)
Specifications for: P-280 Piezo Stage Positioner X 30, 50, 100 no Low cost, XY and XYZ combinations PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-290 Piezo Z-Vertical Positioner Z 1000 no Large travel range PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-287 Z & Tilt Piezo Positioner Z, θx 700, 12 mrad no Large travel range PDF Datasheet
Closed Loop, Linear Piezo Positioners, (1-Axis Stages with Direct Metrology Sensors)
Direct metrology measures the position of the moving platform rather than strain in the actuator (as is common with lower-precision piezo resistive strain gauge sensors).
The direct measuring principle provides better linearity scans with superior responsiveness, resolution, repeatability and stability to the sub-nanometer range.
Download paper on state-of-the-art nanopositioning stages
Specifications for: P-783 Piezo Vertical Piezo Positioner Z 300 LVDT Large travel range, closed-loop, compact PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-772 Miniature Piezo Positioner Nanopositioning Stage X 10 capacitive Ultra-compact, fast and accurate, smallest closed-loop stage with capacitive position feedback PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-780 Miniature Piezo Positioner Stage X 80 LVDT Compact, fast, for small loads PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-750 Piezo Positioner Stage X 75 capacitive, LVDT Extremely straight motion, very stiff PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-752 Piezo Positioner Stage X 15, 30 capacitive Extremely fast and accurate, for FBG writing and disk drive test set ups PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-753 Piezo Stage and Linear Actuator Combination Z & X 12, 25, 38 capacitive Very small and accurate, works as both stage and linear actuator PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-620 Family of Piezo Positoners /Scanning Stages X (XY, Z) 50 to 1800 capacitive Low Cost, Precise, Compact, Long Travel.
Also in XY, Z and XYZ		 PDF Datasheet
 
Multi Axis, Serial Kinematics Stages
*Models Axes *Travel [µm] *Feedback Notes PDF File
Specifications for: P-281
P-282 XY, XYZ Piezo Stages		 XY, XYZ 30, 50, 100 no Low cost, compact PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-611 NanoCube XYZ Piezo Stage Positioner XYZ 100 SGS Smallest XYZ closed-loop stage PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-620 - P-625 X, XY, Z, XYZ PIHera Multi-Axis Piezo Stage X, XY, Z, XYZ 50,100,250, 500 capacitive NEW: Very Compact, Long Travel, Low Cost, Very Precise. Direct Metrology PDF Datasheet
 
Multi-Axis, Parallel Metrology, Parallel Kinematics Stages
Parallel metrology can "see" all controlled degrees of freedom simultaneously.
These stages provide superior trajectory control to serial kinematics stages.
Download paper on state-of-the-art nanopositioning stages
Specifications for: P-615 NanoCube™ 350C XYZ Piezo NanoAligner XYZ to 350 capacitive NEW: Aperture. Ideal also for photonic alignment. PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-363 PicoCube™ XYZ, XY Piezo Scanner for AFM, SPM XY, XYZ 6 capacitive NEW: Extremely high resolution, compact, ideal for Nanotech and Biotech. PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-733 XY Piezo Nano- Scanning Stage XY 100x100 capacitive NEW: Standard Vacuum Version. Fast and accurate XY positioner, clear aperture PDF Datasheet
 
Specifications for: P-733.DD Direct Drive XY, XYZ Piezo Positioning Scanning Stage XY, XYZ 30x30 (x10) capacitive NEW: 20 mm flat. Extremely fast, 2 kHz Fres, Direct Drive, UH-Vacuum available. PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-734 XY Piezo Stage XY 100 capacitive Fast and accurate XY positioner, clear aperture, extremely straight and flat motion PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-770 XY Piezo Stage XY 200 LVDT 200 X 200 mm clear aperture PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-517, P-527 Series XY, XYZ, XYθz Piezo Nano-Scanning Stages XY, XYZ, XYθz Up to 200 in XYZ, 2 mrad capacitive Clear aperture, active trajectory control, special version with 6 degrees of freedom PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-561 Series XY, XYZ, High-Speed, Direct Drive Microscopy Piezo Stages XY, XYZ 45 XY, 11 Z capacitive NEW: Direct Drive, Ultra-Fast, Clear aperture, active trajectory control PDF Datasheet
Specifications for: P-562 MARS Series XY, XYZ, Piezo Nano-Scanning Stages XY, XYZ 200x200x200 capacitive NEW: Long Range, High Speed, Clear aperture, active trajectory control PDF Datasheet
         
Specifications for: P-518, P-528 Series Z, Zθxθy Z, Zθxθy Up to 200 in Z, 2 mrad tip/tilt capacitive Clear aperture, active trajectory control, special version with 6 degrees of freedom PDF Datasheet
"Piezo Hexapod" 6DOF Parallel-Kinematic Stages
Specifications for: P-587 6D-Piezo Stage XYZ, θxθyθz 800 / 10 mrad capacitive Sophisticated 6-axis closed-loop stage PDF Datasheet
Ultrasonic Piezo Linear Motor Driven Stages click here
 
*Custom dimensions, sensors, designs for volume buyers. Capacitive sensors and LVDT sensors are direct metrology sensors and provide the highest precision.

For piezo steering mirrors, tip/tilt positioners see the “Piezo Active Optics” section.

Piezo Actuators (Nano-Transducers) Overview
Piezo Actuators (PZT) are ultra-high-resolution Nano-Transducers for a variety of applications from Nanotechnology to Aerospace and Biotech. PI offers the largest selection of research and industrial-reliability Piezo Actuators and Translators (linear actuators) worldwide. In addition to the hundreds of models presented in this catalog, we manufacture custom designs tailored to customers’ requirements. PI is highly vertically integrated, controlling each manufacturing step from piezo raw materials to finished systems.

Piezo Actuators, Piezo Ceramics Selection Guide

*Models Push/Pull
Force Capacity [N]		 Standard Travel Ranges [µm] *Closed-Loop Versions/Sensor Notes
PICMA
P-885
Piezo Actuators 		1000/5 9, 15 no NEW: Ceramic insulated stacks worldwide first
PT120
PT130
Piezoelectric Actuator		 0.1/0.1 4, 6, 8 no Tube actuator
PL122
PL140
Piezoelectric Actuator 		1/1 +-250, 450, 1000 no Bender actuator, small dimensions
Specifications for: P-288
Piezoelectric Actuator 		10/5 50 no Disk translator (flat, large travel range)
Specifications for: P-286
P-289
Piezoelectric Actuator		 20/10 100, 200 no Disk translator (flat, large travel range)
Specifications for: P-810
Piezoelectric Actuator 		50/1 15, 30, 45 no Very small, ferromagnetic end pieces
Specifications for: P-249
Piezoelectric Actuator 		150/3 5, 10 no Very small, w/o case
Specifications for: P-820
Piezoelectric Actuator 		50/10 15, 30, 45 no Smallest preloaded translator
Specifications for: P-250
Piezoelectric Actuator 		100/5 20 no Mounts in micrometer tip
PL033
PL055
Piezoelectric Actuator 		100/1; 1000/5 2.3 no Ultra-compact, no case
Specifications for: P-830
Piezoelectric Actuator 		1000/5 15, 30, 45, 60 no Small, ferromagnetic end pieces
Specifications for: P-305
Piezoelectric Actuator 		500/20 5, 10, 20, 40 Yes/strain gauge Clear aperture (tubular stack)
Specifications for: P-306
Piezoelectric Actuator 		800/40 5, 10, 20, 40 Yes/strain gauge Clear aperture (tubular stack)
Specifications for: P-840
P-841
Piezoelectric Actuator 		1000/50 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 Yes/strain gauge Preloaded
Specifications for: P-842
P-843
Piezoelectric Actuator 		800/300 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 Yes/strain gauge Preloaded
Specifications for: P-178
P-170
Piezoelectric Actuator 		2000/50 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 Yes/strain gauge Choice of top and bottom pieces
Specifications for: P-244
P-245
Piezoelectric Actuator 		2000/300 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 Yes/strain gauge Preloaded
P-844
P-845
Piezoelectric Actuator 		3000/700 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 Yes/strain gauge Preloaded, Water-resistant option
Specifications for: P-239
Piezoelectric Actuator 		4500/500 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 100, 140, 180 Yes/strain gauge (stack translator) Preloaded, largest travel range
P-242
P-246
Piezoelectric Actuator 		12500/2000 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 Yes/strain gauge Preloaded, very stiff, water-resistant option
Specifications for: P-243
P-247
Piezoelectric Actuator 		30000/3500 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 Yes/strain gauge Preloaded, very stiff, water-resistant option
*Custom dimensions, sensors, designs for volume buyers