P-721 PIFOC High-Precision Objective Scanner
Fast Nanopositioner and Scanner for Microscope Objectives
- Fine positioning of objectives with subnanometer resolution
- Travel ranges to 140 µm, millisecond settling time
- Significantly faster response and higher lifetime than motorized drives
- Minimum objective shift due to parallel flexure guiding
- Highest linearity due to direct measuring technology with capacitive sensors
- Inexpensive version with strain gauge sensors
- Compatible with MetaMorph imaging software
- Outstanding lifetime due to PICMA® piezo actuators
- QuickLock thread adapter for easy installation
- Clear aperture up to Ø 29 mm
Application fields
- Super-resolution microscopy
- Light disc microscopy
- Confocal microscopy
- 3-D imaging
- Screening
- Interferometry
- Measuring technology
- Autofocus systems
- Biotechnology
- Semiconductor tests
Outstanding lifetime thanks to PICMA® piezo actuators
The patented PICMA® piezo actuators are all-ceramic insulated. This protects them against humidity and failure resulting from an increase in leakage current. PICMA® actuators offer an up to ten times longer lifetime than conventional polymer-insulated actuators. 100 billion cycles without a single failure are proven.
Subnanometer resolution with capacitive sensors
Capacitive sensors measure with subnanometer resolution without contacting. They guarantee excellent linearity of motion, long-term stability, and a bandwidth in the kHz range.
High guiding accuracy due to zero-play flexure guides
Flexure guides are free of maintenance, friction, and wear, and do not require lubrication. Their stiffness allows high load capacity and they are insensitive to shock and vibration. They are 100 % vacuum compatible and work in a wide temperature range.
Automatic configuration and fast component exchange
Mechanics and controllers can be combined as required and exchanged quickly. All servo and linearization parameters are stored in the ID chip of the D-sub connector of the mechanics. The autocalibration function of the digital controllers uses this data each time the controller is switched on.
Maximum accuracy due to direct position measuring
Motion is measured directly at the motion platform without any influence from the drive or guide elements. This allows optimum repeatability, outstanding stability, and stiff, fast-responding control.
Specifications
Specifications
P-721.CLQ | P-721.CDQ P-721.CDA | P-721.SL2 P-721.SDA | P-721.0LQ | Unit | Tolerance | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Active axes | Z | Z | Z | Z | ||
Motion and positioning | ||||||
Integrated sensor | Capacitive | Capacitive | SGS | - | ||
Travel range at -20 to +120 V, open loop | 140 | 140 | 140 | 140 | µm | +20 % / -0 % |
Travel range, closed loop | 100 | 100 | 100 | - | µm | |
Resolution, open loop | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | nm | typ. |
Resolution, closed loop | 0.7 | 0.7 | 5 | - | nm | typ. |
Linearity error, closed loop | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.2 | - | % | typ. |
Repeatability | ±5 | ±5 | ±10 | - | nm | typ. |
Tilt θX, θY | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | µrad | typ. |
Crosstalk X, Y | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | nm | typ. |
Mechanical properties | ||||||
Stiffness in motion direction | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | N/µm | ±20 % |
Resonant frequency, no load | 580 | 580 | 580 | 550 | Hz | ±20 % |
Resonant frequency under load, 120 g | 235 | 235 | 235 | 235 | Hz | ±20 % |
Resonant frequency under load, 200 g | 180 | 180 | 180 | 180 | Hz | ±20 % |
Push/pull force capacity in motion direction | 100 / 20 | 100 / 20 | 100 / 20 | 100 / 20 | N | max. |
Drive properties | ||||||
Ceramic type | PICMA® P‑885 | PICMA® P‑885 | PICMA® P‑885 | PICMA® P‑885 | ||
Electrical capacitance | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | µF | ±20 % |
Miscellaneous | ||||||
Operating temperature range | -20 to 80 | -20 to 80 | -20 to 80 | -20 to 80 | °C | |
Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | ||
Mass | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.22 | 0.22 | kg | ±5 % |
Objective diameter | 39 | 39 | 39 | 39 | mm | max. |
Cable length | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | m | ±10 mm |
Sensor/voltage connection | LEMO | D-sub 7W2 (m) | LEMO / D-sub 9 (m) | LEMO (no sensor) | ||
Recommended electronics | E-505, E-610, E‑621, E-625, E‑665, E-709, E‑754 | E-505, E-610, E‑621, E-625, E‑665, E-709, E‑754 | E-505, E-610, E‑621, E-625, E‑665, E-709, E‑754 | E-505, E-610, E‑621, E-625, E‑665, E-709, E‑754 |
Downloads
Product Note
Datasheet
Documentation
User Manual P721T0007
P-721 Fast PIFOC® Piezo Nanofocusing Z Drive
3-D Models
3-D-model P-721.Cxx
3-D-model P-721.0xx
3-D-model P-721.Sxx
Quote / Order
Ask for a free quote on quantities required, prices, and lead times or describe your desired modification. All products available online can be ordered directly.
Fast PIFOC piezo nanofocusing system, 100 µm, direct position measuring, capacitive sensor, D-sub connector, for QuickLock adapter
Fast PIFOC piezo nanofocusing system, 100 µm, direct position measuring, capacitive sensor, D-sub connector, for QuickLock thread adapter set with large aperture
Fast PIFOC piezo nanofocusing system, 100 µm, strain gauge sensor, LEMO connectors, for QuickLock adapter
Fast PIFOC piezo nanofocusing system, 100 µm, strain gauge sensor, D-sub connector, for QuickLock thread adapter set with large aperture
Fast PIFOC piezo nanofocusing system, 100 µm, without sensor, LEMO connectors, for QuickLock adapter
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Technology

PICMA® Technology
Highly reliable and extended lifetime through the patented manufacturing process for multilayer actuators.

Flexure Guiding Systems
Flexure guides from PI have proven their worth in nanopositioning. They guide the piezo actuator and ensure a straight motion without tilting or lateral offset.

Digital Motion Controllers
Digital technology opens up possibilities for improving performance in control engineering which do not exist with conventional analog technology.

Capacitive Sensors
Capacitive sensors are the metrology system of choice for the most demanding nanopositioning applications.