Aerotech focus on optical alignment and scanning

Photonex + Vacuum Technologies 2021 – 29-30 September 2021 in Glasgow, Scottish Event Centre (SEC) – provides the photonics industry in the UK with an excellent platform to present the latest research results and practical examples from industry. Aerotech will also be represented at the photonics event, combined with Europe's leading conference exhibition for vacuum-enabled techniques and processes.

The manufacturer of high-performance motion control and positioning systems will place its optical alignment systems and scanning devices at the centre of the trade fair presentation. In addition, the focus will be on innovative laser and motion control solutions for the optics and photonics industry. The high-precision manipulators will be shown for the first time with the latest Aerotech Automation1 controller.

Challenges and solutions

The industry events offer key players from research and industry the opportunity to speak about the challenges and solutions. Numerous events surrounding the conference fair offer excellent opportunities for exchanging experiences and networking. These include live lectures, with top speakers reporting on future developments and the state of research in photonics, biophotonics, quantum technologies, laser technology, optical and nano technologies and in-vacuum technologies.

"For us, the conference fair in Glasgow is a unique platform for product presentation in the phontonics environment, as well as experience exchange and networking," emphasises Simon Smith, European director Aerotech. Incidentally, the UK branch of the specialist for motion control solutions was founded in Newbury (southern England) in 1981 and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Alignment platform for optoelectronics

Aerotech's trade fair presentation will therefore focus on high-precision, optical alignment systems and scanning devices, using the FiberMaxHP multi-axis photonic alignment system as an example. The motion system is based on the proven high-performance ANT nanopositioners. FiberMaxHP is used in high-volume manufacturing for aligning and testing optoelectronic devices and photonics components with submicron tolerances.

The precision mechanics are coupled with Aerotech's A3200 controller, a low-latency motion controller with prescribed optical alignment algorithms. This allows all automation processes to be programmed through a single control interface.

"While alignment tolerances are decreasing with new silicon photonics devices, alignment at high speed and accuracy is becoming more important," explains Smith. "We are positioning ourselves with the FiberMaxHP photonics alignment platform in nanoscale applications, both in research and industrial environments."

The non-contact direct drive technology is said to provide extremely precise alignment, with minimal incremental movement down to 2 nm at speeds up to 400 mm/s, without compromising production throughput. Users whose processes require repeatable and highly accurate alignment of optical components will find the alignment platform the ideal equipment for this purpose, according to Aerotech.

New control system on board

For the first time, the system is also equipped with the current Aerotech Automation1 control system, which also received a new release in February. The advantage claimed for the user: via an integrative portal control scheme, ETM modules and other peripherals can be seamlessly integrated into the processes.

With the Automation1 Precision Machine and Motion Control Platform, “Aerotech revolutionised the entire market for precision motion and machine controls a good two years ago”, says the company. Adds Smith: "Automation1 functions as a complete machine controller with all components and thus offers much more than a pure ‘motion controller’.

The platform has its own software-based motion controller, which is said to make it easy to control different positioning systems, as well as connected components. Applications include automation systems, precision laser processes ,and test and inspection processes. A digital output for optical power distribution, coupled with a high-resolution camera, visualises the adjustment process in real time.