THORLABS APF503 User manual

HA0375T
APF503, APF705 and
APF710
Amplified Piezo Actuators
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0 ETN032440-D02
APF503, APF705 and APF710 Amplified Flexure Piezo Actuators
Contents
Chaper 1 Overview ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
Chaper 2 Safety .......................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Safety Information ............................................................................. 2
2.2 General Warnings .............................................................................. 2
Chaper 3 Installation .................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Storage Precautions .......................................................................... 4
3.2 Mechanical Installation ...................................................................... 4
3.3 Electrical Connections ...................................................................... 5
3.4 Maximum External Preload Inserted by the Application ................ 6
Chaper 4 Operation .................................................................................................... 8
4.1 General ............................................................................................... 8
4.2 How the Actuator Moves with Voltage ............................................. 9
Chaper 5 Specification ............................................................................................. 10
5.1 General Specifications .................................................................... 10
Chaper 6 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................................ 15

Page 1
APF503, APF705 and APF710 Amplified Flexure Piezo Actuators
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
These piezo flexure amplifiers are open-loop, open-frame actuators for OEM
applications, covering a travel range from 310 µm to 1150 µm when driven by 0 to
150V. The travel range can be extended by using a drive voltage in the range -30V to
150V - see Chapter 4 for more details. They are sold unhoused, as sub-assembly
components, ready to be incorporated into third party stages and other equipment.
The design features a standard ceramic piezoelectric stack within a hardened tool
steel, precision flexure structure, which provides both preload for the piezo stack, and
mechanical movement through lever amplification. The flexure structure also offers
various options for fixing other components and integration into third party equipment.
The actuators offer flexibility in assembly and a minimised footprint.
Fig. 1.1 APF503, APF705 and APF710 amplified piezo actuators

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APF503, APF705 and APF710 Amplified Flexure Piezo Actuators
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1 Safety Information
For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the
equipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes
throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the
equipment itself.
2.2 General Warnings
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
Warning
IIf this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. In particular, excessive
moisture may impair operation.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does
occur, clean up immediately using absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to
enter the internal mechanism.
The equipment is for indoor use only.
The equipment is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.

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Chapter 2 Safety
Warning
Piezo actuators are driven by high voltages. Voltages up to 150V may be
present at the connector. This is hazardous and can cause serious injury.
Appropriate care should be taken when using this device.
Persons using the device must understand the hazards associated with using
high voltages and the steps necessary to avoid risk of electrical shock.
The piezo controller must be switched OFF before the piezo actuator is
connected or disconnected. Failure to switch the controller off may result in
damage to either the controller, the piezo amplifier or both.
Caution
When removed from its packaging, the piezo assembly can be easily damaged
by mishandling. In particular, do not squeeze the assembly, or apply
compression to the mechanical flexure. Excessive compression could cause
the piezo to become detached from the mechanical amplifier assembly (see
Section 5.1. for limits).

Page 4
APF503, APF705 and APF710 Amplified Flexure Piezo Actuators
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Storage Precautions
3.2 Mechanical Installation
The APF series actuators have an open frame design, intended for incorporation into
other third party equipment, and installation will depend on the specific application.
Therefore, undertaking necessary assessments related to the use of the actuator in
an assembly remains the responsibility of the end user. Detailed dimensional
information is contained in the drawings available from www.thorlabs.com.
Fig. 3.1 Fitting the APF7 series piezo actuator
Warning
Piezos can store and release large amounts of energy and should be handled
with caution. To prevent charge build up, piezos must be stored with the high
voltage wires (red and white) joined together (short circuit).
Caution
When removed from its packaging, the piezo assembly is easily damaged by
mishandling. In particular, do not squeeze the assembly, or apply compression
to the mechanical flexure. Doing so could cause the piezo to become detached
from the mechanical amplifier assembly.
M2 (qty 4 both sides)
max mounting screw
length 4.8 mm (0.19”)
Positive wire (red)
( +150V limit)
Negative wire (white)
(-30V limit)
M3 (qty 1 top and bottom)
max mounting screw
length 4.0 mm (0.157”)
Notch (4 Places) to
accept a key feature on
the mating part

Rev C Aug 2019 Page 5
Chapter 3 Installation
.
Fig. 3.2 Fitting the APF5 series piezo actuator
3.3 Electrical Connections
To achieve its full range of movement, the actuator drive voltage should be in the
range -30 to 150 V. See Chapter 4 for movement direction when operating with
positive and negative voltages. For typical performance data, see Chapter 5.
Connect the piezo actuator to the controller in accordance with the instructions
supplied in the relevant controller handbook. The red wire should receive the drive
Caution
When tightening a screw into the top or bottom threads, the same face should
be constrained (held). Holding the opposing face could cause damage to the
actuator.
M1.6 (qty 4 both sides)
max mounting screw
length 3.4 mm (0.134”)
Positive wire (red)
( +150V limit)
Negative wire (black)
(-30V limit)
M2.5 (qty 1 top and bottom)
max mounting screw
length 3.0 mm (0.118”)
Notch (4 Places) to
accept a key feature on
the mating part

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APF503, APF705 and APF710 Amplified Flexure Piezo Actuators
voltage and the white wire (APF7 series) or black wire (APF5 series) should be
grounded.
3.4 Maximum External Preload Inserted by the Application
In order for the piezo stack to function correctly, it must be under a preload. The piezo
flexure assembly has a preset preload. When integrating into an assembly/
application, a maximum limit per direction of preload onto the actuator must be
followed. This could be a total of gravitational forces plus reaction forces from a set of
Note
Typically, the black/white wire should be used as a ground reference (e.g.
connecting to chassis of controller), and a bipolar power supply used to drive the red
wire -30V to 150V.
However, given the commonly accepted description of voltage as a relative
difference in the electrical field, the DC voltage applied to red wire and black/white
wire should be at the range of -30V and 150V. Customers without a bipolar power
supply can apply +30V to black/white wire, and 0V to red wire, to create a -30V
difference, which would compress the piezo (and hence pushes up the amplifier).
Alternatively, you can apply a +30V to black/white wire and +180V to red wire to
achieve a +150V difference between the two electrodes of the piezo chips.

Rev C Aug 2019 Page 7
Chapter 3 Installation
compression springs (external preload) when the piezo is at 0V. The recommended
external preload values are detailed in Fig. 3.3. .
Fig. 3.3 External preload values
Warning
Preloads in excess of the recommended values can damage the actuator.
APF710
55 N
Fixed
20 N
Fixed
APF503
10 N
10 N
APF705
Fixed
25 N
20 N

Page 8 ETN032440-D02
APF503, APF705 and APF710 Amplified Flexure Piezo Actuators
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1 General
For a complete tutorial on driving the actuator using the Thorlabs range of controllers,
see the handbook for the appropriate controller. Basic steps in controlling the actuator
using a Thorlabs controller are as follows:
1) Fit the actuator to the relevent stage or mount.
2) Make electrical connections using an appropriate type of connector, e.g. SMC,
BNC etc.) as detailed in Section 3.3.
3) Run the APT or Kinesis software utility.
4) The actuator can now be moved using the controls on the controller unit, the GUI
panel, or by setting commands to move each axis – see the handbook supplied with
the controller, and the helpfile supplied with the APT server for more information.
Warning
The piezo actuators in this product use high voltages. Voltages up to 150V may
be present at the wire ends. This is hazardous and can cause serious injury.
Appropriate care should be taken when using this device.
Persons integrating the device into an assembly must understand the hazards
associated with using high voltages and the steps necessary to avoid risk of
electrical shock.
The piezo controller must be switched OFF before the actuator is connected or
disconnected. Failure to switch the controller off may result in damage to either
the controller, the actuator or both. Any residual charge remaining in the piezo
stack should be discharged.
Note
Typically, the black/white wire should be used as a ground reference (e.g.
connecting to chassis of controller), and a bipolar power supply used to drive the red
wire -30V to 150V.
However, given the commonly accepted description of voltage as a relative
difference in the electrical field, the DC voltage applied to red wire and black/white
wire should be at the range of -30V and 150V. Customers without a bipolar power
supply can apply +30V to black/white wire, and 0V to red wire, to create a -30V
difference, which would compress the piezo (and hence pushes up the amplifier).
Alternatively, you can apply a +30V to black/white wire and +180V to red wire to
achieve a +150V difference between the two electrodes of the piezo chips.