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Construction and characterization of a frequency-controlled, picometer-resolution, displacement encoder-actuator
John P Koulakis1, Michael Stein2, Károly Holczer1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|June 3, 2016
Summary
A new actuator/encoder uses microwave cavity resonance frequency to control displacement. This digitally controlled device offers picometer resolution, ideal for precision scanning probe microscopy applications.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Engineering
- Metrology
Background:
- Precision actuators are crucial for advanced microscopy techniques.
- Existing actuators often face limitations in resolution and digital control.
- Microwave cavity properties offer potential for novel displacement control mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel actuator/encoder system.
- To achieve digitally controlled displacement with high resolution.
- To explore the use of microwave cavity resonance for actuator control.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a custom actuator/encoder system.
- Integration of a microwave cavity for resonance frequency control.
- Implementation of digital control for frequency-coded displacement.
- Characterization of displacement range and resolution.
Main Results:
- A compact actuator/encoder was successfully constructed.
- The device achieves 10-μm displacement range.
- Picometer-level resolution was demonstrated.
- Frequency-coded displacement control was validated.
Conclusions:
- The developed actuator/encoder offers precise, digitally controlled displacement.
- The system leverages microwave cavity resonance for high-resolution actuation.
- This technology is highly suitable for metrology-grade scanning probe microscopy.
