Release of a new double tilt mechanism DTT35XS by Cedrat Technologies CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES

A new double tilt mechanism so called DTT 35 XS has been developed by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES with the CNES support considering different space applications.
A first application of this mechanism was found in the frame of PHARAO (the first space cold atomic clock, to be operated on board of the ISS) but other applications can be found, such SILEX inter-link satellite communication. This mechanism is based on two pairs of APA35XS, Amplified Piezo Actuators displaying 35 ìm of stroke each, arranged in cross configuration. The mechanism allows both a deflection of +/- 2 mrad around the X and Y axis and a vertical displacement of 35 ìm in the Z direction. In order to achieve the two qx and qy deflections, each pair of APA35XS is electrically driven in push pull configuration, so the device only requires two output channels from the standard driving electronics LA75A-2 of CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES. In the context of the PHARAO space mission, a set of 10 mechanisms will be integrated by EADS-SODERN for the stability control of the “optical molasses” near to the outlet of the Cesium atomic fountain. The DTT35XS will perform this control by changing the angle of incidence of a laser beam in front of an optical fibre. This new 3 dof piezo mechanism presents a high bandwidth (higher than 1 kHz) which can be useful for precise and fast optical applications such like optical switches, laser cavity tuning and spectrometry.