Open AccessThe Future of Positioning Technology Unfolds
Author(s) -
Jordan Scott
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
photonicsviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2626-1308
pISSN - 2626-1294
DOI - 10.1002/phvs.201900042
Subject(s) - linear motor , stepper , ranging , computer science , electrical engineering , engineering , mechanical engineering , physics , optics , telecommunications
Over the span of forty years, the field of precision positioning has vaulted forward in broadly beneficial ways. For example, submicron‐resolution linear encoders, once available only in the costliest stages, are now affordably integrated into mechanisms as large as gantries and as small as matchbook‐sized nanopositioners. New motor concepts abound, ranging from the familiar DC servo, stepper and linear motors to include novel technologies like high‐speed, ultra‐stable resonant piezomotors and diminutive stick‐slip stages with nanoscale positionability over many millimeters of travel.