The P-616.65S NanoCube® from PI (Physik Instrumente) is a leap forward in compact, high-precision motion control. It brings true 6-axis nanopositioning to a device that actually fits in your hand.
Let’s take a look at what sets this new 6-DOF piezo alignment platform apart. Why does its design matter for photonics, semiconductors, and microscopy? And how can those smart control algorithms shake up high-volume photonics assembly and testing?
Redefining 6-Axis Nanopositioning in a Palm-Sized Platform
The P-616.65S NanoCube® offers six fully controllable degrees of freedom, all packed into an ultra-compact frame. It combines sub-micrometer travel, high stiffness, and built-in control smarts.
This directly tackles the challenge of fast, repeatable optimization in tiny spaces. As photonics and semiconductor systems shrink, tolerances get tighter and throughput demands keep climbing.
True Parallel-Kinematic 6-DOF Motion
The NanoCube® relies on a parallel-kinematic flexure design at its core. That means coordinated movement across all six axes:
Unlike serial stacked stages, this architecture moves all actuators together. So you get:
For tough nanoalignment jobs, this means you get higher repeatability and more stable, accurate positioning.
Precision, Dynamics, and Reliability for High-Duty Applications
Environments like high-throughput production and advanced research push motion systems to their limits. They need to be fast, robust, and keep performing after billions of cycles.
The NanoCube® is built to handle all that, whether in the lab or on the factory floor.
High Stiffness and Fast Step-and-Settle Performance
Its compact aluminum body and flexure mechanics deliver a resonant frequency around 350 Hz. That high stiffness matters for a few reasons:
This lets you scan fast and automate photonics alignment, all without giving up positional stability or repeatability.
PICMA® All-Ceramic Actuators for Long Lifetime
PI’s PICMA® all-ceramic piezo actuators drive the NanoCube®. They’re made for durability and stable performance:
That makes the platform a solid pick for 24/7 industrial use or intense experiments where actuator reliability can make or break your process.
Nanometer-Level Control with Integrated Smart Alignment
Precision mechanics only get you so far. Sensor feedback and smart control strategies matter just as much for nanopositioning.
The NanoCube® bakes both in from the start. Closed-loop operation and built-in firmware routines keep things simple for users and help maximize alignment quality and throughput.
Closed-Loop Position Control and Virtual Pivot Point
High-res position sensors give closed-loop feedback on all six axes. This enables:
One standout feature is the user-programmable virtual pivot point. You can define rotations around any point—say, the optical interaction point or a fiber core.
Embedded High-Speed Alignment Routines
Pair the NanoCube® with PI’s E-713 digital controllers and you get embedded firmware algorithms that automate common alignment steps:
With these routines built into the controller, you can cut integration time, slim down your software stack, and get faster, more consistent alignment in both production and experimental setups.
Enabling Next-Generation Photonics, Semiconductor, and Microscopy
The NanoCube® fits right alongside PI’s other alignment platforms. It’s designed for the growing demand in high-density, high-throughput photonics manufacturing.
Its tiny footprint, vacuum compatibility, and resistance to vibration make it a strong choice for several advanced applications:
Key Application Domains
Typical use cases include:
These fields really push for tighter tolerances, better yields, and shorter cycle times. Six degrees of freedom, nanometer-level control, and quick optimization routines make a noticeable difference here.
When you combine compact, sturdy mechanics with smart motion control, the P-616.65S NanoCube® stands out. It’s a solid platform for the next wave of photonics and semiconductor systems, where precise, automatic, multi-axis alignment isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
Here is the source article for this story: High-Speed Automated Alignment for Optics and Photonics: PI Introduces Next-Generation 6-Axis Nanopositioning Alignment System