Optical Positioning Actuators
Jump To:
Features
Literature
Related
Telescope Actuator Features
- High load capacity
- High stiffness
- High resolution
- High repeatability
- High accuracy
- Self-locking
- Vacuum-compatible
- Low heat dissipation
- Long life
High Load Optical Positioning Actuators
The OPA series actuators are used for static positioning or slow tracking operation where minimum incremental step size, repeatability, and/or accuracy are critical. These precision actuators have high stiffness, handle heavy loads, and avoid backdriving making them ideally suited for the alignment of large optics. Outdoor, cleanroom, and vacuum-compatible versions are available. Customization of stroke length, end-joints, and other features is common to meet program-specific requirements.
Applications
- Ground-based telescope mirror positioning
- Testing of space-based telescopes and optical systems
- Beam/laser pointing
Performance Characteristics
| Model | OPA-400 | OPA-500 |
| Stroke Length1 | 28 mm | 160 mm |
| Minimum Incremental Step Size | 0.1 μm | 0.1 μm |
| Repeatability (Unidirectional) | < 1 μm | < 3 μm |
| Repeatability (Bidirectional) | < 3 μm | < 10 μm |
| Accuracy | < 0.05% of Full Range | < 0.1% of Full Range |
| Max Speed | 1.17 mm/s (0.5 mm/s Continuous) | 1.17 mm/s (0.5 mm/s Continuous) |
| Axial Load Capacity | 39.2 kN | 39.2 kN |
| Stiffness (Excluding End-Joints) | 217 N/μm | 277 N/μm |
| Dimensions2 (Excluding End-Joints) | 230 mm D x 375 mm L | 274 mm D x 480 mm L |
| Mass (Excluding End-Joints) | 39 kg | 43 kg |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless |
| Gear Reduction | 50:1 Harmonic Drive (Zero Backlash) | 50:1 Harmonic Drive (Zero Backlash) |
| Screw Type | Recirculating Roller Screw w/Preloaded Nut | Recirculating Roller Screw w/Preloaded Nut |
| Sensor Type | Absolute Linear Encoder | Rotary Encoder |
| Backdrivable3 | No (Self-Locking) | No (Self-Locking) |
| End-Joint Options | Flexures, Universal Joints w/ Preloaded Bearings, Custom | Flexures, Universal Joints w/ Preloaded Bearings, Custom |
| Vacuum Compatibility | With Customization | Yes |
| Heritage Usage | Rubin Observatory/Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) | James Webb Space Telescope Testing, NASA X-Ray and Cryogenic Facility (XRCF) |
1. Custom stroke lengths available upon request
2. Length measured at midstroke position
3. Brakes available as additional protection against backdriving
