Laser pointing and tracking using a completely electromagnetically suspended precision actuator

Zhaohui Ren, Lyndon S. Stephens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The system description and experimental results of control strategy for laser acquisition, reacquisition, pointing, and tracking are discussed. This method uses an electromagnetically suspended precision actuator for laser pointing and tracking. Magnetic levitation technology has been used in high performance motion control system due to its noncontact nature, active control ability, and feasible multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF). The laser system consists of a laser source fixed on the test table as transmit system, a position sensing detector (PSD) with filter mounted on a stage and a mirror attached to the shaft of the magnetic actuator. The experimental evaluation of switching between encoder and PSD feedback loops, laser locking on stationary and moving PSD within maximal travel range, and laser tracking to smaller reference on stationary PSD, are carried out. This discussion focuses on the rotational axis due to the limited sensor resolution on the five bearing control loops.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1235-1239
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Volume29
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Applied Mathematics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Laser pointing and tracking using a completely electromagnetically suspended precision actuator'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this