Cost-optimised, high-speed fibre-alignment system for silicon photonics
The Engineering Network Ltd
Posted to News on 12th Nov 2025, 13:30

Cost-optimised, high-speed fibre-alignment system for silicon photonics

PI (Physik Instrumente) offers a new 6-axis variant of its successful F-141 PINovAlign automated fibre alignment system. The F-141 is a compact, cost-optimised high-performance alignment solution providing precision motion in 2, 3, 4 and degrees of freedom for the industrial test and assembly of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), fibres and fibre array units (FAU).

Cost-optimised, high-speed fibre-alignment system for silicon photonics

Designed for space-limited environments, the F-141 fits within a footprint of just 5 x 7 x 4 inches (WxLxH) while delivering 40 mm of XYZ travel and +/-12deg of rotation - ideal for array alignment tasks.

Direct-drive design provides for high dynamics

Powered by direct-drive motors, the system achieves high acceleration, speed, and resolution with long lifetime and maintenance-free operation. Crossed-roller bearings and flexure guides ensure smooth, precise motion and repeatable performance.

Optional 6-axis version

In addition to 2-, 3-, and 4-axis models, the F-141 is available with an optional pitch/yaw module for fully automated six-degree-of-freedom alignment. Custom configurations are also available for different optical axis orientations.

Advanced alignment control and integrated intelligence

The F-141 is driven by PI's EtherCAT-based multi-axis alignment controller, featuring rapid signal analysis and onboard machine learning. Embedded scan and alignment routines deliver faster and more reliable results than conventional host-based algorithms, simplifying system integration and boosting throughput.

PI says its proprietary alignment algorithms enable industry-leading first-light acquisition and signal optimisation speeds - up to 100 faster than conventional techniques. Leveraging ultra-low-noise electronics, pulse-width modulation (PWM) amplifiers, and 24-bit analogue-to-digital converters for high-bandwidth optical power monitoring, the F-141 delivers highly stable and repeatable optical coupling performance, even under challenging environmental conditions.

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PI (Physik Instrumente) Ltd

Trent House, University Way
Cranfield Technology Park
MK43 0AN
UNITED KINGDOM

+44 (0)1234 756360

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The Engineering Network Ltd