Precise Position Control of a Linear Stage with I/Q heterodyne Interferometer Feedback

The ultra precision linear stage is an essential device in the fields of MEMS and Bio technology. A piezo electric motor is widely used for its better linear characteristics, faster response time, and smaller size than conventional electro-magnetic actuator. We develop a new inchworm type motor to implement an actuator-integrated a long stroke linear stage which can move fast. To implement a servo system, we use a heterodyne interferometer as a position sensor, and we propose a new measurement technique using I/Q demodulator, and we propose a counting method to measure the position of fast moving object with low cost circuitry. The characteristics of the actuator and servo system are evaluated by measuring its displacement with a commercial laser interferometer.