Precision motion control is critical for many advanced optical systems and instruments. Achieving fast, accurate shutter actuation allows tighter performance control in applications ranging from laboratory research to industrial automation. Two technologies making major impacts are high-speed rotary solenoids and custom-engineered optical shutters.
What Are Rotary Solenoids?
Rotary solenoids represent an innovative evolution of the traditional linear solenoid. Instead of generating motion in a straight line, they utilize electromagnetic forces to produce precise rotary movement to a lever or rotor arm. This allows them to deliver exceptionally fast, repeatable actuation in a very compact footprint. Rotary solenoids are powered by applying an electrical signal which creates a magnetic field to rotate an internal shaft from 0 to 90 degrees or more. Speeds of under 10 milliseconds are possible.
Benefits For Optical Shutters
The fast, controllable motion produced by rotary solenoids makes them an ideal choice for actuating optical shutter systems requiring rapid and accurate beam interruption. Traditional linear actuators produce slower travel and less precise positioning. Rotary solenoids eliminate overshoot while providing crisp on/off shutter control. Their compact size also enables tight integration into space-constrained instruments. Models are available that allow adjustment of the electrical drive signal to fine-tune motion parameters like speed, acceleration/deceleration, and stopping position. This configurable feature maximizes shutter performance.
Faster Switching Speeds
By utilizing rotary solenoids capable of shutter actuation speeds down to 10 milliseconds, optical systems can achieve significantly faster beam interruption than other actuation methods. Higher shutter speeds translate to improved equipment performance parameters like scanning rates, detection capabilities, and processing throughput. Rotary solenoids ensure crisp shutter response times keeping up with other advancing system components.
Enhanced Beam Alignment
The precise, jolt-free motion produced by rotary solenoids maintains optimal beam alignment through the shutter aperture. With no overshoot or oscillations, beam interruptions are clean and repeatable. This stability allows more accurate calibration between the light source, shutter, and downstream optics. Reliable alignment enables maximal energy transmission when the shutter is open. Beam precision is essential for high-end instruments.
Reduced Settling Times
Rotary solenoid-based shutters require minimal settling time after actuation before accurate measurements can occur. With linear actuation, vibrations and ringing can persist after motion, delaying data collection. Rotary solenoids immediately stabilize once rotation reaches the programmed angle. The shaft locks firmly in place with no residual motion. This allows faster cycling between open and closed states.
Compact Footprint
By utilizing a rotary design, solenoid shutters occupy very little space in optical assemblies. The small footprint enables integration even in tightly confined scientific instruments with space at a premium. Streamlined dimensions also simplify incorporating rotary shutter components into OEM instruments. The minimal size reduces weight compared to other actuation options.
Lower Power Consumption
Precision rotary solenoids operate very efficiently by optimizing the magnetic circuit. This allows rapid shutter motion using less input power, generating little waste heat. Lower energy needs to reduce operating costs and allow integration of shutters into portable, battery-powered devices. Efficient power usage also enables operate shutters in continuous duty cycle applications without overheating.
Easy Integration & Control
Rotary solenoid products come packaged with integrated drivers and straight-forward interfaces for controlling shutter activation. Command inputs like analog voltages, digital signals, USB, RS-232, RS-485 and Ethernet allow flexibility interfacing with system electronics. Integrated features like built-in position sensors, programming interfaces, and motion profiling enable advanced control capabilities tailored to the optical application.
By combining high-resolution rotary solenoid actuators with custom optical shutters and shutter system designs, optical instrument performance reaches new levels. The precision speed, repeatability, stability, and programmability of rotary solenoids truly optimize shutter functionality. Partnering with an experienced motion control engineering firm allows creating shutters matching your exacting requirements.
