THORLABS POLARIS-P20A User manual

Brand: THORLABS

Model: POLARIS-P20A

Type: User manual

THORLABS POLARIS-P20A is a precision actuator designed for applications requiring precise positioning. With a mechanical travel range of 0.375" (9.53 mm) and a resolution down to 0.013 µm, it offers accurate and repeatable motion. The actuator features a manually adjustable 100 TPI screw with an integrated piezoelectric element, enabling fine adjustments with applied voltages between 0 to 150 V. The stainless steel construction provides durability and minimizes thermal expansion effects. It finds use in various applications, including optical alignment, nanopositioning, and micromachining.

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November3,2021

TTN239049‐S01,RevA

www.thorlabs.com/contact

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Specifications

POLARIS-P20A

Adjuster Specifications

Range Mechanical: 0.375" (9.53 mm)

Piezo: 17.0 µm (Min), 21.0 µm (Max)

Resolution Mechanical: ~0.26 mm/rev

Piezo: ~0.013 µm for a 0.1 V Step

Load

(

Recommended

)

100.0 N (22 lbs)

Adjusters Manually Adjustable 100 TPI Screw with Integrated

Piezoelectric Element

Piezo Control Voltage 0 to 150 V

Piezo Connectors Male SMB

Piezo Capacitance 0.35 µF

Physical Specifications

Mounting Requires Machined Bore to Mount Bushing

(See Drawing Below)

Vacuum Compatibility

-9

Torr at 25°C with Proper Bake Out

-5

Torr at 25°C without Bake Out

Grease Vapor Pressure: 10

-13

Torr at 20°C, 10

-5

Torr at 200°C;

Epoxy Meets Low Outgassing Standards NASA ASTM E595 and

Telcordia G

-1221

Operating Temperature -25 to 85 °C

a. Theoretical calculated value. Actual resolution is dependent on the power source used.

Drawing



Piezoelectric Actuator with Stainless

Steel Bushing, ¼"-100 Adjuster

POLARIS

Notes:

The actuator must be removed

from the bushing when gluing

it into the mating component.

The thickness of the mating

component should be shorter

than the length of the bushing.

Please see the PDF drawing for

important manufacturing

tolerances.



November3,2021

TTN239049‐S01,RevA

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.

THORLABS POLARIS-P20A User manual

THORLABS POLARIS-P20A User manual

THORLABS POLARIS-P20A User manual

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