For single- dual-sided fibre and fibre-array applications
Physik Instrumente (PI) is offering a new 6-axis variant of its F-141 PINovAlign automated fibre alignment system. The F-141 is a solution that provides precision motion in 2, 3, or 4 degrees of freedom for the industrial testing and assembly of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), fibres, and fibre array units (FAU). The F-141 can fit within a footprint of 5x7x4 inches and delivers 40mm of XYZ travel and ±12° of rotation
The F-141 PINovAlign is a high-speed photonics alignment system available in 3 to 6-axis single- and dual-sided variants. The PINovAlign system is suitable for array alignment and silicon photonics applications.
Direct-drive motors power the system, enabling high acceleration, speed, and resolution with a long lifetime and maintenance-free operation. Crossed-rolled bearings and flexure guides ensure precise motion and repeatable performance.
The 141, in addition to 2-, 3-, and 4-axis models, is available with an optional pitch/yaw module for automated six-degree-of-freedom alignment.
PI's EtherCat-based multi-axis alignment controller drives the F-141, with rapid signal analysis and onboard machine learning. Scan and alignment routines are embedded to deliver faster, more reliable results, simplifying system integration and improving throughput.
PI's proprietary alignment algorithms allow industry-leading first-light acquisition and signal optimisation speeds. Utilising ultra-low-noise electronics, pulse-width modulation (PWM) amplifiers, and 24-bit analogue-to-digital converters for high-bandwidth optical power monitoring, the system can deliver stable, repeatable optical coupling performance.
