Publications
Categories
Nanometric positioning with IASI-NG Beam Splitter Mechanism Actuator
19 June 2023
This paper presents a piezoelectric motor which provides linear motion and very high resolution (40 nm steps). First, the space application (IASI-NG instrument onboard METOP-SG satellite) and associated performance requirements are presented. The internal architecture of the motor and its main components are then explained. A first focus is done on the experimental verification of the threaded interface lifetime which is a key element of the mechanism. A second focus is on the nanometric position test bench. Achieved results are provided for resolution, motion quality and position stability. Finally, results from the
vibration test campaign are presented
New actuators for aircraft, space and military applications
19 June 2023
Actuation is used in all vehicles (aircraft, spacecraft, ground vehicles, etc) to control the position and/or attitude of the vehicle, and also to deploy or retract equipment, particularly for embedded optic instruments (cameras, telescopes). As such, the actuation is a safety critical system, particularly when humans could be catastrophically affected by failures within the system. Applications for actuation are flight controls, landing gear, rotors, suspension, antennae steering, valves, scanning, positioning using hydraulic, electromechanical, magnetic and piezo actuators. In aircraft there is a common goal to reduce the number of hydraulic actuators in vehicles and eventually to replace them completely by electric actuators.
New actuators for space and aircraft applications
19 June 2023
Novel actuation systems are driver of product innovation in aerospace industry. In aircraft industry EHA technology has been recently introduced illustrating the stream of innovation directed on improving performance, reliability as well as economy. On the far side there is the radical concept of a morphing wing which offers optimizing the aerodynamics of an aircraft considerably by shape control. Rotor Active Control utilizing piezo actuation has been proofed to be very successful for vibration and noise reduction in helicopter flight test inspiring confidence in smart structure technology.
An improved accurate Beam Steering piezoelectric Mechanism for ATlid instrument
19 June 2023
A new tip tilt mechanism based on low voltage piezoelectric actuators has been designed by Cedrat Technologies to answer the high level of stability required for the Earthcare satellite. The Beam Steering Assembly aims to deviate a pulsed high energy UV laser beam to compensate for misalignment between the emission and reception paths of ATLID [1] with a very high stability and resolution. In this paper, the authors points out the BSM development with the main mechanism design issues including performances, mechanical and thermal stability; low power consumption; high integration level; high reliability and safety; cleanliness requirements and give the results of the qualification campaign done at Cedrat Technologies’ to establish the final functional performances in preparation of the Flight Models deliveries for the BSM.
OPTITEC is a shining light of French photonics
19 June 2023
The south of France is home to a thriving optics and photonocs community. Belle Dumé talks to key players to find out the benefits of living and working in the land of light.
P-FSM150S and M-FSM45 For large scale free space optical communication
8 September 2022
In this publication CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) presents the design and test results of the P-FSM150S Pointing Ahead Mechanism (PAM) and M-FSM45 Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) Engineering Models, developed under ARTES project TELCO-B for future FSO constellations. The specific cost-efficient hardware design is presented, dedicated to very large quantities to be manufactured, together with the performance test results over a preliminary batch of EM’s production.