The SQL-3.4-cryo motor targets portable cryogenic sensor applications. (Photo: New Scale)

Apr. 9, 2007 — New Scale Technologies, Inc. has created a custom cryogenic version of its SQL Series piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor. At 3.4 x 3.4 x 10 mm, the SQL-3.4-cryo operates continuously from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures (77 Kelvins and below).

“The SQUIGGLE motor is a unique solution for cryogenic nanopositioning,” said David Henderson, co-CEO and CTO at New Scale. “Conventional electromagnetic motors do not work at all at cryogenic temperatures. Other piezoelectric motors lack the SQUIGGLE motor’s high push force and sub-micron position resolution.”

Designed for applications such as portable sensors, it is currently being used to align cooled optics at 100 Kelvins in a sensor developed for a military customer.

Cooled optics greatly improve image quality for cryogenic sensor applications such as hyperspectral imaging, says New Scale. Until now, the alignment of cooled optics has been an hours-long process requiring the operator to make alignments at room temperature, cool the sensor, test the alignment, note corrections, bring the sensor to room temperature, make adjustments, and repeat. The SQUIGGLE motor promises to eliminate this process completely by allowing precise, active alignment at any temperature.

The SQL-3.4-cryo motor provides up to 30 mm of travel; holds its position with the power off; and draws little power, thus minimizing heat load in the cryostat.