A double gimbal optical image stabilizer driven by piezoelectric stacks.

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Piezoelectric actuators offer high accuracy and fast response, making them suitable for optical image stabilization (OIS).
• Traditional OIS designs using piezoelectric stacks require preload voltage due to their lack of tensile strength, leading to energy waste and performance degradation.
• There is a need for more efficient and performant OIS systems that overcome the limitations of existing piezoelectric actuator designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel double gimbal optical image stabilizer that negates the requirement for preload voltage in piezoelectric actuators.
• To demonstrate a prototype of the proposed OIS and assess its performance characteristics.
• To offer an improved solution for optical image stabilization that enhances energy efficiency and actuator performance.

Main Methods:

• A double gimbal optical image stabilizer prototype was designed and machined.
• Two piezoelectric stacks were employed for forward and reverse actuation, eliminating the need for preload voltage.
• The output coupling between the two piezoelectric actuators was minimized through gimbal isolation, achieving less than 1%.

Main Results:

• The developed double gimbal OIS prototype effectively eliminates the necessity of preload voltage for piezoelectric actuators.
• The system demonstrated an actuation range of ±50 µm.
• The OIS prototype successfully tracked sinusoidal signals up to a frequency of 46 Hz.

Conclusions:

• The proposed double gimbal optical image stabilizer design successfully overcomes the limitations of traditional piezoelectric OIS by removing the need for preload voltage.
• This innovative design enhances energy efficiency and actuator performance.
• The prototype's performance validates its effectiveness in tracking dynamic signals, offering a promising advancement in optical image stabilization technology.