Mechanical friction and the effects of human operation limit the precision of many optical adjustments. In theory, it is possible to achieve sub arc-s adjustment sensitivity with very fine mechanics and differential screws. However, in practice, the lateral forces applied to a component during an adjustment often have an excessive effect, making alignments lengthy and frustrating. Also, many optical experiments are extremely sensitive to environmental factors and provide consistent results only when well shielded against external influences.
Motorized mounts overcome the limits of manual components, but are typically costly and bulky, restricting their use for systems integration or simple remote operation in tight spaces. Agilis mounts provide a lower cost solution in a miniature size, without compromising adjustment sensitivity, speed, or position stability.
Agilis optical mounts are the first products that feature Newport’s new, proprietary, non-resonant piezo direct motors. These highly integrated motors are directly coupled to the moving platen. When idle, spring forces lock the mirror’s position for true set and forget long term stability. Agilis mounts have a faster adjustment speed than alternative screw driven designs and are free of the problems associated with backlash or hysteresis. In contrast to ultrasonic motors, the Agilis non-resonant motor concept makes small adjustments more predictable with its 50 nm incremental motion capability, ideal for ultra-sensitive optical alignments.
For repeatable absolute positioning, the AG-M050L and AG-M100L feature precision electrical limit switches. These switches act not only as safety devices, they also allow repeatable absolute positioning without the need for expensive encoder feedback. This is accomplished by measuring the average step size from the left to the right travel limits and vice versa. Under consistent conditions, the step size is fairly repeatable. Together with high level commands integrated into the Agilis electronics, see Agilis™ Series Controllers, it is possible to register and return to a set position with better than 0.05° repeatability, anytime and anywhere. 0.05° repeatability is approximately equivalent to 1/12 of a turn of a micrometer screw on a manual mount of comparable size. |