Characteristics of optical actuator-servomechanisms using bimorph optical piezo-electric actuator

A bimorph type of the optical piezoelectric actuator (PLZT) which has relatively large displacement is discussed. This optical actuator works under the on-off control of the UV beam irradiation. The response characteristics of the actuator for the UV beam irradiation is shown. The response time of this actuator is improved compared with the previous one. An optical actuator-servosystem is proposed. Based on the mathematical model of the optical actuator, the transfer function of the optical servo control system is identified, and experiments are conducted. The experimental results agree with simulation results based on the mathematical model. Two application examples of this actuator are given. One is an optical gripper, while the other is an optical mobile robot.<>