Testing, Assembly, and Packaging in Silicon Photonics
Active Alignment for High Duty Cycles
Silicon photonics plays a crucial role in the advancement of cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, nanosatellites, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or optical logic, as well as in improving data processing, storage and transmission. These technologies place many challenges on test and packaging processes, especially when it comes to the alignment of fiber optic devices in high-volume production environments with high cleanliness requirements.
PI offers advanced motion solutions for fast, automated 24/7 operation based on different motor, guiding and sensor technologies. Complemented by unique proprietary alignment algorithms for parallel optimization of any figure of merit (FoM), the solutions can increase throughput by more than one hundred times.
XYZ Axis: Fiber-to-Fiber or Fiber-to-Waveguide Alignments
- Friction-free and maintenance-free air-bearing design for 24/7 high duty cycle applications
- Voice coil direct drive motor for smooth operation, high dynamics, and fast step-and-settle
- Integrated linear encoders for accurate positioning
- Innovative and compact XYZ design for space-saving integration
- Integrated Z-axis counterbalance enables vertical operation with minimal impact on stage form factor
>> A-142 PIglide Voice Coil Linear Stage with Air Bearings
>> A-143 PIglide Miniature Linear Air Bearing Stage
θZ Axis: Precise Rotational Positioning of Photonic Devices (Optional)
- Highly accurate and repeatable 360° rotation without backlash
- Direct drive motor technology for smooth and precise operation without cogging
- Brushless torque motor for high dynamics
- High-precision absolute or incremental encoder options
- Low-profile design for space-saving integration
User-Friendly and Flexible Automation Control
- High-performance industrial controller with integrated ACS-based alignment algorithms
- Proprietary firmware provides fast area-scanning algorithms for first light detection as well as gradient and centroid algorithms for peak coupling
- Software support for common operating systems as well as for many programming languages including MATLAB, Python, C#, and NI LabVIEW
>> A-81x PIglide Motion Controller
