PI Expands Its Photonics Portfolio with the 6D NanoCube: 6DoF Piezo System
6D NanoCube for precise fiber array alignment in six degrees of freedom
Physik Instrumente (PI), renowned for high-precision positioning technology and piezo applications, announces the launch of its innovative 6D NanoCube positioning system. With micrometer- and nanometer-level accuracy, this flexible solution is specifically designed for photonics and silicon photonics applications that require precise positioning of optical elements and fibers. It can find optical coupling peaks in less than a second, significantly enhancing efficiency and precision for various setups. Speed and reliability are further supported through the use of algorithmic search and machine learning. Additionally, the 6D NanoCube offers a complete system solution with a suitable controller and advanced software.
As industries such as photonics, silicon photonics, and advanced optics manufacturing continue to demand high-resolution alignment, positioning solutions must address extremely high standards in precision, flexibility, and repeatability. The 6D NanoCube meets these demands by offering fiber array alignment with six degrees of freedom (6DoF) on a single device. Representing the next generation of piezo technology that enables integrated photonics probing, the 6D NanoCube combines PI’s long legacy of pioneering work in piezo materials and manufacturing with advanced algorithmic search and machine learning. This development provides optimal conditions for increased precision and efficiency, resulting in superior performance and high throughput.
Versatile Integration for Photonics Applications
Detecting optical coupling peaks in less than a second, the 6D NanoCube enhances precision in photonics applications and streamlines production cycles. The compact, lightweight design integrates easily into various setups while maintaining high precision. It is suited for applications such as active optics alignment, fiber-to-fiber, fiber-to-chip, fiber-to-component coupling, and fiber array alignment. Furthermore, the 6D NanoCube stands out for its ability to integrate as a turnkey subcomponent into wafer or production probers, including drive electronics and software algorithms.
Compact Design for High Dynamics and Minimum Incremental Motion
The 6D NanoCube expands the successful NanoCube line with the addition of 6-axis parallel kinematics. The structural design incorporates reliable PICMA piezo actuators for consistent, repeatable positioning with subnanometer resolution. The system offers a linear travel range of up to 500 µm, minimum incremental motion of 50 nm, and bidirectional repeatability of 40 nm. It enables motion in all six spatial axes: X, Y, Z (translational), and pitch, yaw, and roll (rotational). Its compact design (80 × 66 mm², <1 kg) integrates seamlessly into existing systems without compromising performance. It features six variable-length actuators on a single platform, linked to both the movable and base platforms by flexures for stiffness and high dynamics in all degrees of freedom.
Advanced Software Integration for Rapid Process Development
With the E-713 controller and PI Lightning technology, the system achieves high performance through fast alignment and rapid 3D searches, along with area and gradient scans. Comprehensive software support includes compatibility with C#, Python, LabVIEW, and MATLAB on both Windows and Linux platforms, facilitating rapid process development.
