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As the demand for higher data transmission rates is growing, communication via laser beams, terrestrial, ground-to-satellite, and satellite-to-satellite is opening up new possibilities. Fast fine steering mirrors keep laser beams stabilized and pointed in the right direction, making sure they reach their targets exactly, over thousands of miles.
PI is extending its offering of fast steering mirrors. The new V-931 two-axis fast steering mirror platform (FSM) is based on a frictionless, precision flexure guiding mechanism, with differential voice-coil drives and optical feedback for accurate closed-loop angular position control. The compact, durable design produces a beam deflection angle to 8° in theta-X and theta-Y, with symmetrical motion characteristics delivered by its parallel kinematics design. The angular resolution of the standard model is 1µrad (higher resolution models are available). The two orthogonal tip/tilt axes share a common center of rotation, providing significantly better performance, free of polarization rotation issues, while reducing package size, compared to older designs based on stacking two individual scanning axes.
Laser and Imaging Applications in Industry and Space Applications
PI has a long track record of designing fast precision mechanisms for laser scanning, optical communications, and image stabilization for industrial, astronomy, and aerospace projects. A PI piezo steering mirror is currently on board the NASA/ESA Solar Orbiter Satellite, orbiting the sun. PI precision motion equipment is also embedded in the Curiosity Mars rover and the new Perseverance rover.
Related Glossary Terms
- parallel
parallel
Strip or block of precision-ground stock used to elevate a workpiece, while keeping it parallel to the worktable, to prevent cutter/table contact.
