PI S-335 Piezo Fast Steering Mirror Platforms Review: Specs, Price and Applications
S-335 is a two-axis piezo tip/tilt platform with flexure guidance and strain-gauge feedback. Its mechanical angular range is 35 mrad, corresponding to 70 mrad optical deflection for the reflected beam geometry. PI offers the platform without a mirror or with specified½-inch and 1-inch mirrors; mirror size and controller configuration substantially change dynamic response.
Quick Verdict
Consider S-335 for beam steering, stabilization and optical alignment where angular range and load-dependent dynamics fit the optical system. Do not treat mechanical resonance, controller bandwidth and settled beam response as interchangeable. The current page distinguishes E-727 tuning configurations and mirror loads explicitly.
PI S-335 Piezo Fast Steering Mirror Platforms at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Motion | Two orthogonal tip/tilt axes with common pivot |
Mechanical range | 35 mrad per documented axis scope |
Optical deflection | Up to 70 mrad in corresponding reflection geometry |
Feedback | Strain-gauge sensors with direct measurement |
Mirror variants | 2SH without mirror;2SHM1/2SHM2 specified mirror options |
Resonance example | 0.7 kHz with specified 1-inch mirror; not closed-loop bandwidth |
Typical repeatability | 1 µrad in inspected table |
Design and Engineering Assessment
A reflected beam changes angle by approximately twice the mirror’s mechanical tilt in the relevant geometry. Keep that distinction in optical-path calculations. The usable spot displacement at a target also depends on propagation distance, incidence and the complete beam arrangement.
Mirror inertia changes resonant frequency and settling. The inspected table gives different resonance for unloaded,½-inch and 1-inch-mirror conditions. A large mirror and a full-range command cannot inherit the fastest small-load response quoted elsewhere in the family.
Flexure guidance avoids bearing backlash and sliding-guide wear, while piezo hysteresis and thermal behavior still matter to open-loop motion. Strain-gauge feedback and selected control electronics define the closed-loop result. A sensor increment does not independently establish beam-pointing stability.
Select Optical Load and Controller
Specify mirror diameter, thickness, coating, attachment and optical power requirements. Select the exact stage and compatible controller/tuning variant, including the angular operating range and waveform.
Check the amplifier current demand for the selected piezo capacitance and dynamic amplitude. Electrical small-signal performance should not be substituted for a measured load-dependent optical response.
Qualify the Optical Result
Measure beam error and settling at the actual target using representative commands, ambient conditions and optical loading. Establish a clear error band and step size for acceptance.
Retain mirror identity, mounting process, controller tuning and calibrated axes. A replacement mirror with the same diameter but different mass or thickness can require new tuning and validation.
Applications and Selection
Laser beam steering, optical switching, image stabilization and precision optical alignment.
For PI S-335 Piezo Fast Steering Mirror Platforms, define the actual machine duty before selecting an ordering configuration. Include the required operating point, available installation space, environment and control interfaces. The specification table describes the product or family; the surrounding machine determines which of those features matters for the intended job.
Price and Value
Price: Request a quote for the exact configuration. Compare the product, compatible control equipment, required mechanical parts, cabling and commissioning as one installed system. A component price alone does not represent the cost of a working automation axis.
Evaluate an alternative against the same duty and acceptance criteria. Match the continuous operating requirement first, then compare transient capability, feedback, mechanical fit and support. This avoids choosing between superficially similar products whose ratings describe different operating conditions.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Two-axis common-pivot flexure mechanism
Large piezo tip/tilt range
Specified mirror and feedback configurations
Limitations
Dynamics depend strongly on mirror inertia
Mechanical and optical angles differ
Resonance is not closed-loop bandwidth
Who Should Consider PI S-335 Piezo Fast Steering Mirror Platforms?
Consider PI S-335 Piezo Fast Steering Mirror Platforms when the documented configuration matches the actual process, load, environment and control architecture. Use a representative installed cycle and a defined process-side error budget for acceptance.
PI S-335 Piezo Fast Steering Mirror Platforms FAQ
Is 35 mrad the optical beam angle?
It is the stated mechanical tip/tilt range; corresponding reflected-beam deflection reaches 70 mrad.
Does every S-335 include a mirror?
No. PI distinguishes bare-platform and specified mirror variants.
Is 0.7 kHz the closed-loop bandwidth?
No. It is a load-specific resonant-frequency example.
Why does mirror thickness matter?
It changes mass and inertia, affecting resonance and settling.
What measures position?
The reviewed configurations use strain-gauge sensors.
Does a common pivot remove all optical calibration?
No. The actual beam geometry and control axes still need calibration.
Can a replacement mirror use the old tuning automatically?
Do not assume so; verify inertia, mounting and the required optical response.
What should acceptance state?
Mirror/controller identity, command step or waveform, optical error band, load and environmental conditions.
Prices are indicative and may change. Confirm the final configuration, commercial terms and delivery schedule before ordering.
