PI's new N-332 nanometer-precision linear stage family, configurable to multi-axis setups of XY, XZ and XYZ, is designed for high-end applications in semiconductor technology, fiber-optics, microscopy, bio-nanotechnology, metrology and scientific research in beamlines and laser labs. The stages have a low profile of 30 mm and a small footprint of 80 mm x 110 mm and 80 mm x 160 mm with travel ranges of 1 inch and 2 inches, respectively.
No brake or counterbalance required
Due to the high active force of 75N and power-off passive holding force of 80N, the N-332 nanopositioning stage does not require a brake or counterbalance when operated in vertical orientation.
Source: PI
UHV-option
For demanding applications that require operation in high vacuum, N-332 stages are available in configurations suitable for pressures down to 10-9 hPa. The self-clamping nature of the piezo motor allows the stage to hold a position without heat generation.
PICMA-Walk technology — High force and high resolution
The PICMA-Walk piezo motor inside the N-332 stage is based on four pairs of PI's proprietary PICMA piezo actuators, arranged in a V8 configuration. PICMA piezo actuators were successfully tested for 100 billion cycles by NASA/U.S. Jet Propulsion Laboratory before being used on the Mars Rover's instrumentation lab. PICMA-Walk motors provide high force linear motion to 75N and are capable of sub-nanometer resolution and self-locking when de-energized — a great advantage for applications where a stable position must be maintained without power, heat generation or servo jitter.
