Seeking innovative applications for optical modules

The miniature modules are based upon Nanomotion's standing wave inverse piezoelectric effect technology that delivers sub-micron resolution and accuracy for demanding linear and rotary positioning applications in both manufacturing and research for a wide range of market areas including semiconductors and electronics, lasers and photonics, MEMS and nanotechnology, biotech' and biomedical.

NanoLens modules provide autofocus accuracy down to 5um with cycle times of under 100ms in a package size of less than 10 x 10 x 8 mm. The products are manufactured in partnership with Nanomotion's sister company Nihon Mini Motor, both of which are part of the Johnson Electric Group.

NanoZoom is a packaged optical zoom module that typically provides a 3x zoom with a focal length of 5-15mm. Zoom speed is an incredible 100mm/s, which translates to a telephoto-to-wide move in less than 0.1s. Measuring just 13 x 14 x 23mm, the module provides sharp images by combining simultaneous two-axis (zoom and focus) moves, powered by a proprietary ASIC driver.

Applications support

Heason Technologies has a complete applications support service for the Nanomotion motor range and also represents an impressive list of global motion and positioning system manufacturers, as well developing and manufacturing its own range of precision rotary actuators and custom motion platforms.

The Company is sure that these exciting miniature positioning products can be applied to many other applications, delivering cost benefits from the massive mobile phone market where volume manufacture has helped to reduce unit costs to attractively low levels.

The technology could be applied to micro-miniature pumps and sensors, opto and medical imaging equipment, surgical tools, nanotechnology and MEMS devices and elsewhere.