Optical Positioning

Core precision motion concepts — degrees of freedom, resolution, repeatability, accuracy, backlash, hysteresis, and motion spec vocabulary.

Building blocks — posts, post holders, bases, clamps, rails, cage systems, breadboard mounting, and beam height standards.

Mount types — fixed, kinematic, flexure, gimbal. Adjustment mechanisms, angular range, stability, vacuum compatibility.

Manual positioning — linear, rotation, goniometer, vertical. Bearings, drives, travel, load, specifications.

Combining actuator types, kinematic architectures, and control strategies — coarse–fine hybrids, hexapods, piezo integration, and multi-axis system design for photonics alignment and precision positioning.

Fully motorized systems — drives, multi-axis, hexapods, controllers, system design. The most complex positioning topic.