Precision redefined

In the Future Zone of the exhibition stand, forward-looking technologies were showcased with the Hexapod lever and the MagLev platform. (Copyright: PI)

Markus Greis, Sales Manager for the DACH region, is pleased with the successful trade fair: "With our broad portfolio – from components to subsystems to complete systems – we offer our customers scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient solutions for precision positioning. At LASER World of PHOTONICS 2025, we presented a new product, the industrial hexapod H-815, which impressively underscores this claim." (Copyright: PI)

Physik Instrumente (PI), worldwide leader in precision technology and piezo applications, presented an impressive portfolio of high-tech solutions and innovations at LASER World of PHOTONICS 2025. In addition to product novelties such as an industrial hexapod for precise positioning in 24/7 operation and a miniature linear stage for nanometer-precise movements with self-locking mechanics, a PILine® cross table for microscopy applications with exceptional stability and minimal drift was also showcased. Future-oriented solutions like the MagLev platform with picometer resolution convinced customers, as did a compact lever hexapod for fastest movements and high dynamics. This once again demonstrated how the company pushes the boundaries of technically feasible with versatile solutions for precision positioning while helping customers significantly reduce their production costs.

Product innovations and proven solutions set standards for precision and cost savings

As innovation cycles become shorter due to technological progress and solutions for manufacturing need to become faster, more precise, and more efficient, many companies reach their limits. This is precisely where PI intervenes with its easily integrable solutions: with scalability, profitability, high cost savings, and customized specifications. With dozens of new developments each year, the German company offers its global customers a broad portfolio of efficient and innovative solutions for photonics, microscopy, semiconductor manufacturing, and industrial automation.

Hexapod H-815: Precise positioning for 24/7 industrial use

The new industrial hexapod H-815 is a compact, parallel kinematic micropositioning system with six degrees of freedom, designed for demanding industrial 24/7 operation and built for exceptional durability. High robustness and repeatability, an integrated brake, and absolute encoders distinguish this new development. Through standardized interfaces, the H-815 can be easily integrated into applications in the photonics and automation industries.

B-421 BIX Miniature Linear Stage: Nanometer-precise movement, compact and stackable

Additionally, customers could experience the new miniature linear stage from the B-421 product family. The stackable, compact system is specially developed for precise movements in the smallest space. The two-phase inertia drive with self-locking mechanics offers stable positioning for applications such as beam manipulation and microscopy. In conjunction with integrated linear encoders, the drive enables smooth, precise movements with step sizes of 10 nanometers over travel ranges up to 33 mm – properties that make the product ideal for demanding applications in semiconductor technology, microscopy, or photonics.

Fiber alignment for silicon photonics (SiPh) and photonic integrated circuits (PICs): Alignment time reduced by up to 99 percent

Fiber alignment for wafer and chip-level quality control as well as for permanent connection of chip and signal-carrying fiber is one of the biggest cost drivers for SiPh and PIC technology. During component manufacturing, alignment occurs up to two dozen times. PI’s award-winning FMPA (Fast Multichannel Photonics Alignment) solution reduces alignment time by an impressive 99 percent, enabling cost savings of up to 80 percent. The system combines nanometer-precise, highly dynamic alignments (in all degrees of freedom) with highly effective algorithms for first-light search, profiling, and performance optimization. A low-profile variant also allows alignments near or below the mounting surface. This makes the solution ideal for a wide range of applications such as wafer probing in silicon photonics, PIC production, fiber array alignment, as well as collimators and optical components.

U-781 PILine® cross table system: Exceptional stability and precision

The new PILine® XY table U-781 for microscopy impresses with outstanding stability, minimal drift, and precise positioning. It is compatible with common microscope software and ideal for inverted microscopes from Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss, and Leica. The compact, low-profile design allows flexible access to the sample. The quiet PILine® ultrasonic drive, optical encoders, and the high speed constant of 10 µm/s with speeds up to 120 mm/s at a sensor resolution of 10 nm ensure maximum stability and accuracy – perfect for applications in super-resolution microscopy.

Technologies for tomorrow's needs - The PI Future Zone

Solutions for future market requirements were presented by the company's research experts in the Future Zone. The highlight of the exhibition: a platform based on magnetic levitation (MagLev) technology, which operates contactlessly and can be actively controlled in six degrees of freedom. Highly precise sensor and drive technologies, intelligent firmware, and powerful controllers enable contactless, magnetic guidance with up to 200 picometers resolution. Frictionless movements without rollers, lubrication, or air flow form the basis for use in cleanroom and vacuum environments.

Another exhibit in the Future Zone was a new lever hexapod, which performs movements in the millisecond range thanks to its lever kinematics. The innovative 6-axis positioning system combines robust roller bearings with direct force transmission. This ensures a long, low-maintenance lifespan and maximum dynamics in a compact, low-profile design. Deeply seated motors minimize thermal influences, improving repeatability – ideal for applications in photonics, especially in alignment and packaging, as well as for cleanroom and vacuum environments.