Galvanometers

HarmonicScan - 15

Cross Flexure Pivot Suspension Moving Magnet Galvanometers

• Excellent For Raster Scanning, Imaging, Repetitive Small Angle Or Military Applications
• Flexures Eliminate Ball Barings for Long Life & Smooth Scanning
• No Lubrication Means No Outgas Or Vapors
• Thermally De-Coupled Stator for Lower Drift
• 4X Greater Position Feedback Signal for Higher Accuracy

Nutfield Technology's HS-15 Flexure Galvanometer has lower cross axis wobble, higher signal-to-noise position detection and faster step response than other flexure scanners in the market. Its architecture is similar to our RS-15 galvanometer except for the rotor and suspension. They operate just like a galvanometer, but with a constant spring force attached to the rotor. NTI flexure galvanometers use cross flexure pivots instead of ball bearings. Flexures are superior to bearings in several ways including long service life. Our flexures are constructed from high quality stainless steel spring material with an endurance rating over 100 kPSI. Our scanners run at low stress levels, typically less than 10 kPSI. They operate in the "infinite life" portion of the stress curve. This means that these units can run continuously for many years. Flexure pivots scan smoother because there is no rolling friction or surface finish issues between the balls and raceways. The most demanding raster imaging systems use flexures because of their excellent smoothness and repeatability. Flexure galvanometers have no lubricants; so there is not an issue with out gassing, which is important in some applications.
		Applications Include: Raster Imaging Film Digitization Small Angle Scanning Vacuum Applications Long-Life Applications Confocal Microscopy Download Specification Download Drawing

Ball bearings are designed to rotate through large enough angles to sufficiently distribute lubrication within the bearing. Several problems can arise when a ball bearing is used in a galvanometer. Lubricant can be displaced from the contact area when the scan angle is small causing the balls and raceways to wear. This can also cause excessive heat and micro welding of the balls to the races. Balls can sometimes skid due to high acceleration rates, which can cause the rotation axis to shift, tilting the mirror in the cross axis direction. This affects the repeatability of the galvanometer.

During each assembly step, every galvo is rigorously tested and then burned in to ensure the highest quality. A device history record follows every galvo assembly recording important operational parameters along the way. Data is stored on a hard copy form and in a computerized data base. Data on each galvo is then compared against acceptable limits of operation.

Each NTI galvanometer is configurable with a variety of control electronics and mirrors of many sizes and wavelengths. HS-15 galvanometers can also be configured in an X/Y Open Frame Head. These "drop in" OEM heads arrive with match tuned servo drives, mounted mirrors, optically aligned and ready for easy integration into your laser system.

Nutfield Technology provides a range of PC, 16-bit digital and analog control options to meet your time to market and budget requirements. Call us today to find out how we can help customize a solution for your application.