November3,2021
TTN239049‐S01,RevA
www.thorlabs.com/contact
POLARIS-P20A Usage Tips
When using the POLARIS-P20A, it is important to follow a few principles:
1) Match Materials: Due to its relatively low coefficient
of thermal expansion, stainless steel was chosen as
the material from which to fabricate the Polaris
Adjuster and bushing pair. When mounting the
POLARIS-P20A into a machined bore we recommend
using components fabricated from the same
material.
2) Try to Minimize Deflection Caused by the Hand
while Adjusting: When making manual adjustments,
we recommend applying as little force as possible.
3) Machined Bore Dimensions for Actuator Bushing
Retention: In order to mount the matched Stainless
Steel Bushing provided with the POLARIS-P20A
product, a custom counterbore needs to be
machined into the desired retaining component with
the dimensions and appropriate tolerances as shown
below. The thickness of the mating component
needs to be less than the length of the bushing to
ensure that the locking nut does not damage or mar
the mating component.
4) Actuator Installation: The 353NDPK oven curable
epoxy is a good match for gluing the actuator
bushing into the mating component (sold
separately). Ensure that the actuator is removed
from the bushing before oven-curing the glue. When
pre-loading the actuator, ensure that the movable
piston within the actuator that holds the ball bearing
in front does not slide out.
5) Actuator Replacement: This actuator can be used as
a replacement actuator in the POLARIS-K05P2 Ø1/2"
Piezo Mount. We recommend using the lock nut
included with the Ø1/2" mount as the POLARIS-LN1
Lock Nut included with this actuator is larger and
will extend beyond the edge of the mount's back
plate.
Piezo Usage Tips
1) Disconnect Unused Channels: If active stabilization
using the actuator is not needed, then it is not
necessary to connect it to a piezoelectric controller.
Any noise on the electrical connection may cause an
undesired movement of the beam.
2) Connect Cables only when Power Supply is Off: The
piezoelectric stacks may be irreversibly damaged by
abrupt changes in the applied voltage. In order to
prevent such damage, ensure that the power supply is
off before connecting the SMB cable.
3) Use Gentle Voltage Steps: Abrupt charging or
discharging of the piezoelectric actuator may cause it
irreversible damage. Ensure that any input voltage is
relatively uniform (e.g. sine wave).
4) Stay within the 0 - 150 V Control Voltage Range:
Applying voltages less than 0 V (negative voltages) or
greater than 150 V may cause irreversible damage to
the piezo.
5) Handle with Care: Piezoelectric materials are ceramic
in nature, and therefore are relatively brittle as
compared to common optomechanics. Hence, they are
sensitive to shock forces. Do not drop the actuator or
place it in a box without protective cushioning.
