3. Optical Actuators
3. Optical Actuators
Servo Systems that make full use of electrical and electronic technologies find wide application in many types of precision equipment. However, as devices have become smaller and circuits more sensitive, the electromagnetic noise generated by these systems has become an important problem - sometimes leading to malfunction of neighboring equipment. Electronic servo are also susceptible to interference. Optical servo systems in which information is processed optically and actuation is achieved by the direct action of light on a suitable material can have significant advantages not only in terms of interference suppression and immunity, but also in terms of information processing capacity, power supply, size and weight, and safety in explosive environments. Research is in progress towards the development of optical actuators using PLZT elements, opto-pneumatic servo systems and optimal control methods.
