Note: Simple and compact piezoelectric mirror actuator with 100 kHz bandwidth, using standard components

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Piezoelectric actuators are crucial for precise motion control in optical systems.
• Existing mounting methods can introduce limitations like phase lag and limited frequency response.
• Controlling displacement of mirrors and small objects requires stable, high-frequency actuation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel mounting scheme for cylindrical piezoelectric actuators.
• To achieve uniform displacement response and eliminate phase lag up to high frequencies.
• To enable compact and cost-effective piezoelectric mirror control systems.

Main Methods:

• A simple ring holder design was employed, utilizing unmodified off-the-shelf components.
• The piezoelectric actuator-mirror assembly was side-clamped at its zero-displacement plane.
• This decoupling strategy targets the fundamental elongation mode to minimize holder influence.

Main Results:

• The proposed mounting scheme achieved a uniform response with no phase lag up to high frequencies.
• The first mechanical resonance of the piezo-mirror assembly was observed around 120 kHz.
• A reduction in mirror displacement by a factor of 2 was noted, with achieved displacement of ~2.5 μm.

Conclusions:

• The novel mounting scheme effectively controls mirror displacement using piezoelectric actuators.
• The system offers a compact solution suitable for integration into standard optical mounts.
• This approach provides a stable, high-frequency actuation method for optical components.