🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <Jan.25.16.19.14.1993.9868@planchet.rutgers.edu>,
alfa@werple.apana.org.au (Glenn Durden) wrote:
> Since scanning rates in STM's arent quick, this effectively killed my 
> 'project', since I couldnt find a peizo electric device that would do what
> I needed (ie: deform to a given voltage).
>  So...  to any people who HAVE built one, what did you use?

Piezodrives are used.  With AC driving it, you can use relatively low
voltages if you run the material near a natural resonance.  To run these
babies in DC mode, you need thousands of volts and long enough pieces.
Also, there is a trick.  Many piezo materials deform best not in a linear
fashion, and you have to rig the mechanics appropriately.

Also, since I sent this info off to one of the correspondents, I thought
I would mention here for those who don't get Physics Today the company
that sells an instructional STM for $15,000:

Burleigh Instruments, Inc.
Burleigh Park, Fishers, NY 14453
716 924 9355

You supply the PC.  They have a money back guarantee.  This company
is well known in the piezoelectric positioning business.  I think that
is why they are trying to market an aggressively priced STM and can do
so: they know best how to make and use PZT driven equipment.  They have
a free video, according to the advertisement.

Derrick C. Mancini
Fysiska Institutionen  -  Uppsala Universitet
Box 530  S751 21  Uppsala  Sverige
mancini@fysik.uu.se
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"Are we having fun yet?"  -  Zippy