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Goniometer Stages
Frequently Asked Questions
A Goniometer Stage – oftentimes also referred to as a Goniometric stage – is a device used to rotate a given object with extreme precision about a desired point in space within a very small angular range.
Goniometer stages are often used for industrial applications constructing devices or machines assembled on a microscopic scale. In laboratory experiments, they are frequently used for alignment of optical elements (crystals, lenses, mirrors, polarizers, etc.) within an optical setup.
Goniometer Stages are fairly compact devices with very few protruding parts, yet they still come in an extensive variety of designs. Every design contains a drive mechanism (mechanical or motorized) and a low friction guide, both offering high accuracy and precision. There are several types of guides, each offering their own strengths and advantages. For example, crossed roller guides that contribute higher resolution for smaller ranges of motion are best suited for micro/nano-positioning applications.
Common guides are crossed roller guides, curved dovetail/rail, and air bearings.
Standard stages provide only linear motion in the X, Y, and Z planes, whereas goniometer stages produce partial rotation of XY, XZ, or YZ planes about a fixed point.
Goniometer stages typically come with a limited range of motion, often constrained within +/-15 degrees. Their main purpose is the precise alignment of an object, while larger ranges of motion can be achieved through other motion control instruments.
A single Goniometer Stage unit can cost anywhere from $150 for smaller components to $2,000+ for more advanced stages. Pricing of the stages typically depends on the driving mechanism, but it more heavily depends on the type of guide included with the unit. Stages with crossed roller guides, for example, will cost much more because of their advanced positioning technology. To find out the price of any of the stages on this page, please inquire.
Goniometer Stages are most commonly made of stainless steel or aluminum alloys, often with a black anodized finish.
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