Piezoelectric Inertia Actuators

20 nm Typical Step Size
2.5 kg Maximum Axial Load Capacity
10 mm, 13 mm, 25 mm, or 50 mm Travel Range

PIA13

13 mm Travel Range

PIA50

50 mm Travel Range

Application Idea

Two PIAK10 Piezo Inertia Actuators can be used
in place of the 1/4"-80 adjustment screws
in our KM100 Mirror Mount.

PIA25

25 mm Travel Range

Please Wait

Overview
Specs
Motion Control Software
Kinesis Tutorials
APT Tutorials
Feedback

Key Specifications^a
Item #	PIAK10	PIA13	PIA25	PIA50
Travel	10 mm	13 mm	25 mm	50 mm
Typical Step Size^b	20 nm
Maximum Step Size^c	<30 nm
Step Size Adjustability^d	≤30%
Maximum Step Frequency^e	2000 Hz
Maximum Active Preload^f	30 N	25 N
Recommended Maximum Axial Load Capacity^g	2.5 kg (5.51 lbs)
Speed (Continuous Stepping)	2 mm/minute (Typical) <3.5 mm/minute (Maximum)
Drive Screw	1/4"-80 Thread, Hard PVD Coated
Motor Type	Piezoelectric Inertia
Primary Mounting Feature	1/4"-80 Thread	Ø3/8" (Ø9.525 mm) Barrel
Required Controller^h	KIM001 or KIM101

See the Specs tab for complete specifications.
This value can vary by up to 20% due to component variance, change of direction, and application condition.
Adjustable Up to 30% in Both Directions Using the Controller
This can be adjusted using the KIM101 Controller.
Using the KIM001 or KIM101 Inertia Piezo Controllers
The axial force applied to the drive tip to achieve the specified step size. A minimum of 5 N is recommended to enhance stepping behavior.
A higher maximum load is possible but it may decrease the typical step size.
Controllers are sold separately. These actuators can also be controlled using the legacy TIM101 T-Cube™ controller.

Click for Details
The control cable can be adjusted up to 110° for space-constrained applications.

Features

Compact Design: 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm (W x H)
20 nm Typical Step Size
Manual Adjustment via Knob on Adjuster Screw
125 V Maximum Operating Voltage
PIAK10: 1/4"-80 Mounting Thread for Compatibility with Mirror Mounts
PIA13, PIA25, & PIA50: Ø3/8" Mounting Barrel for Compatibility with Translation Stages
Ideal for Set-and-Hold Applications that Require High-Resolution Relative Positioning

Thorlabs' Piezoelectric Inertia Actuators provide high-resolution linear motion control with long translation ranges in compact packages. Each actuator can support loads up to 2.5 kg with typical movements of 20 nm and no backlash. The step size can be adjusted up to 30% to a maximum of approximately 30 nm using the KIM001 or KIM101 Controllers. However, due to the open-loop design, hysteresis, and application conditions, the achieved step size of the system can vary by up to 20%. An external feedback system will need to be used to overcome this variance. We also offer vacuum-compatible piezo inertia actuators.

These actuators are self-locking when at rest and when there is no power supplied to the piezo, making them ideal for set-and-hold applications that require nanometer resolution and long-term alignment stability. Manual adjustments can be made using the knob on the adjuster screw, as long as the piezo is not actively translating the screw; the knob is also compatible with 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex keys.

Powered by 10 mm long discrete piezo stacks, these actuators operate at speeds of up to 3.5 mm/minute. The design of the piezo motor, detailed below, will rotate the tip of the lead screw during translation.

Mounting Options
The PIAK10 actuator features a 1/4"-80 threaded barrel for compatibility with 1/4"-80 threaded mirror mounts, while the other three actuators each have a Ø3/8" (Ø9.525 mm) barrel that can be mounted in a manual stage that has a Ø3/8" mounting clamp.

Required Controller
A KIM001 or KIM101 Controller, available below, is required to operate our piezo inertia actuators; these actuators cannot be driven using a standard piezo controller. These drivers have an internal sawtooth voltage signal generator capable of sending sub-millisecond pulses (steps) with controllable amplitudes from 85 V to 125 V. Each stage has an integrated 1.0 m cable; 1.5 m SMC extension cables (Item # PAA101) and male-to-male SMC adapters (Item # T5026) are also available. Note: due to the capacitance of the cables, the total length of the control cable should not exceed 2.5 m.

Click to Enlarge
Simplified Illustration Showing the Operation of an Inertia Piezo Actuator

Piezoelectric Inertia "Slip-Stick" Motor

A piezo stack mounted perpendicular to the lead screw axis actuates the screw via a design based on the system's inertia and coefficients of friction. Two decoupled arms, or jaws, are located on either side of the piezo. These arms extend across the top and bottom of the main lead screw, as illustrated in the diagram to the left.

The piezo reacts to a custom sawtooth voltage waveform, causing it to expand or contract. The waveform is asymmetric, slowly ramping up to the specified voltage and then quickly dropping the voltage to zero on a nanosecond timescale. As shown in the bottom illustration to the left, the jaws will "stick" to the lead screw during the slow voltage ramp due to static friction, turning the screw similar to a person using their thumb and forefinger. The nanosecond voltage drop will cause the arms to "slip" due to the screws' inertia and the lower coefficient of dynamic friction, allowing the arms to return to their original position without undoing the rotation of the screw. This mechanism allows a single piezo element to translate a lead screw along its entire length.

Due to a number of factors that include the application conditions, piezo hysteresis, component variance, and the axial load, the achieved step size will vary and is not repeatable. To help overcome this variance, an external feedback system will need to be used. Alternatively, a stepper motor actuator can also be substituted depending on the application.

Item #	PIAK10	PIA13	PIA25	PIA50
Travel	10 mm	13 mm	25 mm	50 mm
Typical Step Size^a	20 nm
Maximum Step Size^b	<30 nm
Step Size Adjustability^c	≤30%
Maximum Step Frequency^d	2000 Hz
Backlash	None
Maximum Active Axial Preload^e	30 N	25 N
Typical Angular Resolution^f	Ø1" Mirror Mounts: 0.5 μrad Ø2" Mirror Mounts: 0.3 μrad	N/A
Recommended Maximum Active Axial Load Capacity^g	2.5 kg (5.51 lbs)
Velocity (Continuous Stepping)	2 mm/min (Typical) <3.5 mm/min (Maximum)
Drive Screw	1/4"-80 Thread, Hard PVD Coated
Actuator Tip	Tungsten Carbide Ball
Lifetime	>1 Billion Steps
Motor Type	Piezoelectric Inertia
Piezo Specifications
Voltage Rating	130 V
Capacitance	175 nF
Resonant Frequency	125 kHz (No Load)
Physical Specifications
Dimensions^h (L x W x H)	2.87" x 1.24" x 0.67” (72.9 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm)	2.34" x 1.24" x 0.67” (59.5 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm)	2.81" x 1.24" x 0.67” (71.4 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm)	3.80" x 1.24" x 0.67” (96.6 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm)
Mounting Options	1/4"-80 Threaded Barrel	3/8"-40 Threaded Barrel
Mounting Options	Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) Barrel	Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) Barrel
Operating Temperature	10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F)
Cable Length	1.0 m (3.28')
Cable Exit Adjustability	±55° (Left- or Right-Hand Exit)
Connector	SMC, Female
Compatible Controller	KIM001 or KIM101

This value can vary over 20% due to component variance, change of direction, and application condition.
This can be adjusted up to 30% using the KIM001 or KIM101 Controllers.
This can be adjusted using the KIM001 or KIM101 Controllers.
Using the KIM001 or KIM101 Inertia Piezo Controllers
The axial force applied to the drive tip to achieve the specified step size. A minimum of 5 N is recommended to enhance stepping behavior.
The typical angular resolution when a PIAK10 Actuator is fitted to a Ø1" or Ø2" mirror mount with a maximum active preload of 30 N. This does not apply to the PIA13, PIA25, or PIA50 actuators.
A higher maximum load is possible but it may adversly affect the typical step size.
Dimensions do not include the cable.

Note: The KIM001 uses Kinesis software. The KIM101 is compatible with both Kinesis and our legacy APT software.

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis^® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

Kinesis GUI Screen

APT GUI Screen

Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.25

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Software

APT Version 3.21.4

The APT Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' APT™ and Kinesis system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software features new .NET controls which can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications.

C#
This programming language is designed to allow multiple programming paradigms, or languages, to be used, thus allowing for complex problems to be solved in an easy or efficient manner. It encompasses typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented, and component-oriented programming. By providing functionality with this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The Kinesis System Software allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

For a collection of example projects that can be compiled and run to demonstrate the different ways in which developers can build on the Kinesis motion control libraries, click on the links below. Please note that a separate integrated development environment (IDE) (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio) will be required to execute the Quick Start examples. The C# example projects can be executed using the included .NET controls in the Kinesis software package (see the Kinesis Software tab for details).

Click Here for the Kinesis with C# Quick Start Guide
Click Here for C# Example Projects
Click Here for Quick Start Device Control Examples

LabVIEW
LabVIEW can be used to communicate with any Kinesis- or APT-based controller via .NET controls. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, known as a front panel, with a set of tools and objects and then add code using graphical representations of functions to control the front panel objects. The LabVIEW tutorial, provided below, provides some information on using the .NET controls to create control GUIs for Kinesis- and APT-driven devices within LabVIEW. It includes an overview with basic information about using controllers in LabVIEW and explains the setup procedure that needs to be completed before using a LabVIEW GUI to operate a device.

Click Here to View the LabVIEW Guide
Click Here to View the Kinesis with LabVIEW Overview Page

These videos illustrate some of the basics of using the APT System Software from both a non-programming and a programming point of view. There are videos that illustrate usage of the supplied APT utilities that allow immediate control of the APT controllers out of the box. There are also a number of videos that explain the basics of programming custom software applications using Visual Basic, LabView and Visual C++. Watch the videos now to see what we mean.

Click here to view the video tutorial

To further assist programmers, a guide to programming the APT software in LabView is also available.

Click here to view the LabView guide

Posted Comments:

James McIntosh (posted 2020-12-05 09:27:37.323)

Could you please tell me what happens if the motor reaches the limit of it's travel. Is there an intrinsic limit switch, or would I need to add Limit switches if this is a possibility in my system?

cwright (posted 2020-12-07 04:29:41.0)

Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Thank you for your query. There are no limit switches in these devices but you can add limit switches into your application if needed via the User IO 15 Pin connector on the KIM101. If the actuator is driven into its end stops, the motor may stick and may not respond to subsequent motion demands. If this is the case, turn the adjustment knob of the actuator manually to move the device away from its end stop, then the motor should move normally.

user (posted 2020-11-13 03:36:11.177)

Hello, 1. What is the resolution of this actuator? Let assume that I want to have Z stacks over a 200 nm range; what should the minimum step size be? Can I have 10 nm steps stacking (0, 10, 20, 30, ... 200 nm)? Then what the "Maximum Step Size" means? Can I have 100 nm stacking (0, 100, 200 nm)? 2. Do you support any kind of demo, or returning for this item? If I buy that then I understand that I need something better, can I return it in a few weeks (days)? Regards, Edalat

DJayasuriya (posted 2020-11-16 04:51:54.0)

Thank you for your inquiry. The step size can be adjusted up to 30% to a maximum of approximately 30 nm using the KIM001 or KIM101 Controllers. Due to the piezo hysteresis, component variance, and the axial load, the achieved step size will vary and is not repeatable. We Will get in touch directly to discuss loan units and returns.

DJayasuriya (posted 2020-11-16 04:51:54.0)

george sun (posted 2020-08-24 10:14:28.387)

I have two questions: 1, when PIA25 disconnected from the KIM101 controller, can I use the manual adjustment knob? 2, Why it is so hard to turn the manual knob? I feel it is very tightened.

cwright (posted 2020-08-27 06:11:49.0)

Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello George and thank you for contacting us. Yes you can use the manual adjustment knob to control the position. This can be a little tight but you shouldn't have difficulty turning it. These devices do need to have the grease on the lead screw redistributed from time to time, so a buildup of grease could be causing you trouble. We will reach out to you directly to advise on troubleshooting and re-lubricating.

ilya r (posted 2020-06-26 11:51:57.683)

Is PIA25 compatible with LNR25D/M stage? Description says it "can be mounted in any manual stage that has a Ø3/8" mounting clamp", but I strongly doubt it is possible with LNR25, because it has too wide clamp (15 mm). Could you comment on that? Also I am not sure the neutral position of the LRN25D/M will be centered at the travel range of the PIA25.

cwright (posted 2020-06-30 11:53:16.0)

Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello Ilya and thank you for your query. Once the clamping nut has been removed I can see no reason why PIA25 would not fit securely into the LNR25D and indeed we have used this combination during testing of the PIA. The neutral position (if you mean the midpoint of travel) would be at 13.5 mm of extension for the PIA25. I will contact you by email to share images from the solidworks assembly I put together to determine this.

Georgy Onishchukov (posted 2019-05-23 14:27:00.387)

can PIA13 be used with KCB1P/M?

AManickavasagam (posted 2019-05-24 11:41:09.0)

Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. Due to incompatible threading the PIA13 cannot be used with KCB1P/M. However, the PIA13 is compatible to use with KM100 or the KS1 if you are after beam steering application or aiming to use a parabolic mirror. We also have mounts with integrated Piezo inertia actuator such as the PIM1.

pprie (posted 2018-08-20 10:16:39.317)

HI, i'am currently using PIAK10 with the KIM101 controler and the KM100 Mirror Mount. I have some question : First, if i move from 0 step to 128 steps for example, what will be the angular variation ? Second, I will probably need a closed-loop system, what device should i use with this current setup or which device should i replace ? Thanks

AManickavasagam (posted 2018-08-21 04:40:14.0)

Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. The variance i.e the quoted per step tolerance is 20%, hence through the 128 steps this adds up and the angular variation would be ± 12.8 μrad Regarding the closed loop option you could consider to use an external encoder as unfortunately, at this time we do not have a solution that we could offer for such a system.

hnguyen43 (posted 2018-05-22 10:15:43.89)

What is the angular step for this actuator? Is the Thanks

rmiron (posted 2018-05-24 05:08:09.0)

Response from Radu at Thorlabs: The drive screw of these actuators typically rotates by ~ 0.4 mrad per step. Naturally, as is the case for the linear motion, this angular step can vary by about 20% and can be adjusted by 30% in both directions by KIM101.

antoine.camper (posted 2017-09-10 23:18:58.51)

I have a PIA3 and a KM100 mount like on the picture illustrating the use of the PIA13. However if I mount it as on the picture, the motor starts rotating on itself instead of the screw pushing on the mirror mount when I actuate the motor. This is because the motor is not tight to other part of the mount. Am I doing something wrong? Please give me a feedback.

awebber-date (posted 2017-09-13 04:35:33.0)

Response from Alex at Thorlabs: I will get back to you directly to troubleshoot your issue.

nicolas.blind (posted 2016-02-24 10:47:38.087)

I have two questions: - Are the motors PIA13 compatible with the 3-axis platform RBL13D ? - If yes, on the vertical axis, could they lift a mass of maximum 1kg ? Would it affect the positioning accuracy/repeatability? Thanks a lot

besembeson (posted 2016-03-03 10:30:20.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes it is compatible, and the accuracy/repeatability will not be affected provided the load specifications are respected. Maximum axial load for the PIA13 is 2.5kg. It will be less than this in a vertical configuration. We will contact you with this value.

user (posted 2016-02-12 19:52:40.913)

Can you comment on the noise that these actuators generate. We use similar actuators in our lab right now and they have a high pitch sound which is very annoying. Did you fix this issue?

bwood (posted 2016-02-15 06:13:30.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. These actuators will generate noise at a typical level of 60 to 70 dB. The noise generated by a given piezo inertial motor is intrinsic to the "slip-stick" mechanism of the device, due to the short pulse widths required. Please review the green box under the "Overview" tab for more information on the mechanism of these devices

user (posted 2016-01-08 17:04:24.817)

is the piezo expanding or contracting during the ramping up of the voltage?

msoulby (posted 2016-01-08 07:06:38.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: The piezo reacts to a sawtooth voltage waveform, causing it to expand or contract. The waveform is asymmetric, slowly ramping up (expanding) to the specified voltage and then quickly dropping the voltage to zero (contracting) on a nanosecond timescale. When a slow electrical signal is applied the jaws will grip the lead screw and turn the lead screw due to high static friction. When the voltage is quickly dropped back to zero the piezo will contract rapidly, due to the inertia of the lead screw and low dynamic friction the lead screw will remain stationary. This process is repeated many times which will result in the lead screw moving in one direction in discrete steps. To reverse the direction of the lead screw the asymmetric signal is reversed.

Piezoelectric Inertia Actuators

Zoom

Actuators Provide High-Resolution Linear Motion in a Compact Package
PIAK10: 1/4"-80 Mounting Thread for Compatibility with Mirror Mounts
PIA13, PIA25, & PIA50: Ø3/8" (Ø9.525 mm) Barrel for Mounting to Manual Stages with Ø3/8" (Ø9.525 mm) Mounting Clamps
KIM001 or KIM101 Controller Required for Operation (Sold Separately Below)

Our compact PIA Series Piezoelectric Inertia Actuators are ideal for set-and-forget applications, particularly where space is limited. Their primary function is to set a relative position and hold; switching off power to the actuator will result in the same drift as a 1/4"-80 drive screw. These actuators are designed for use with our range of small positioning stages and optical mounts, and can provide nanometer resolution with long-term alignment stability. Manual adjustments can be made using the knob on the adjuster screw, as long as the piezo is not actively translating the screw; the knob is also compatible with 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex keys.

The "slip-stick" nature of this device uses very short pulse widths and continuous stepping of the actuator will result in an audible noise at a typical level of 60 to 70 dB.

K-Cube™ Controllers for Piezo Inertia Stages and Actuators

Zoom

Key Specifications^a
Item #	KIM001	KIM101
Piezoelectric Outputs (SMC Male)	One	Four
Piezo Output Voltage	85 to 125 VDC	85 to 125 VDC per Channel
Top Panel Controls	Scroll Wheel	Dual-Axis Joystick
External Input (SMA Female)	±10 V ± 2%
Input Power	+15 VDC @ 2 A
Housing Dimensions^b (W x D x H)	60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (2.36" x 2.36" x 1.85")	121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")
Compatible Software	Kinesis	Kinesis & Legacy APT

For complete specifications, please see the manuals by clicking the red Docs icons () below.
Not Including Mounting Plate

Compact Footprints
Adjustable Voltage Output from 85 V to 125 V
Single-Channel and Four-Channel Versions Available
Standalone Operation via Top Panel Controls and Display or PC Control via USB Plug and Play

These compact K-Cube Controllers provide easy manual and PC control of our piezo inertia stages, actuators, and optic mounts. They feature adjustable voltage output from 85 V to 125 V. The top panel display screen enables operation as soon as the unit is turned on, without the need for connection to a PC. Alternatively, both controllers have USB connectivity that provides 'Plug-and-Play' PC-controlled operation with our Kinesis^® software package (included). The KIM101 controller can also be operated with our legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package.

These units have small footprints and may be mounted directly to the optical table using the 1/4" (M6) counterbored slots in the base plate. Their compact size allows these controllers to be positioned close to the motorized system for added convenience when manually adjusting motor positions using the top panel controls. Tabletop operation also allows minimal drive cable lengths for easier cable management.

Please note that these controllers do not ship with a power supply. The compatible KPS101 power supply is sold below.

KIM001 Single-Channel Controller
This single-channel piezo inertia controller provides a voltage output for a single piezo inertia stage or actuator. The top panel features a spring-loaded scroll wheel for driving the stage or actuator as well as selecting menu options.

KIM101 Four-Channel Controller
This four-channel controller features four SMC outputs to drive piezo inertia devices. The channels can be controlled independently or simultaneously in pairs using the dual-axis joystick on the controller's top panel. The controller can be configured to operate up to four PD series piezo inertia stages, up to four PIA series piezo inertia actuators, or up to two PIM series piezo inertia optic mounts; one KIM101 can only concurrently drive devices that use the same "Select Stage" configuration in the controller's menu options (see the manuals for more details).

For more information, please see the full web presentation.

Power Supply Options
The KIM001 and KIM101 Motor Controllers do not ship with a power supply. A compatible power supply is our KPS101, sold below.

Note: Due to the nature of its design, and its non-linear high frequency switching, the KIM001 and KIM001 units are not compatible with the KCH301 and KCH601 hubs. Use only the KPS101 power supply unit.