Multilayer Actuators

An actuator is an active element in the design of actuating mechanisms that convert electrical

signals into mechanical displacements. Compared to other types (electrostatic, electromechanical, magnetostrictive, and electrothermal

actuators), piezoelectric actuators have obvious advantages – higher response speed (1÷0.1 µs), high positioning accuracy (up to 0.1 nm), low 

power consumption, the ability to generate large forces (up to 30 N/mm2), no need for protection against electromagnetic interference, and no wear (service life exceeding 2•10^9 cycles). 

JSC “Research Institute ‘ELPA’” has developed and implemented in production a casting technology for manufacturing multilayer actuators. The unique combination of piezoceramic and multilayer technology makes it possible

to create multilayer (layer thickness of 25–100 µm) monolithic piezoelectric actuator structures that have a number of advantages compared to stacked actuators:

very thin piezoceramic layers make it possible to achieve large displacements at low control voltages (30–100 V); high electric field intensity (up to 2 kV/mm) ensures

a large displacement per unit volume; • high response speed (typical value 1–10 µs); • absence of electromagnetic noise;

low manufacturing cost.

FIELDS OF APPLICATION

Fuel injection control systems in automotive engines;

• NPVO shutters and modulators for laser systems;

• Active vibration damping systems for units and assemblies of laser systems;

• High-precision autonomous dispensers;

• Actuators for adaptive optical systems and optical phase modulators;

• Alignment and tuning of fiber-optic transmission and reception systems;

• Linear piezoelectric motors.