Controlling piezoelectric-actuated mirror wth arduino

Question

I would like to know where I can purchase a piezoelectric-actuated mirror device, such as those used in a single-colour laser pattern (not scanning) projector eg. the kinds used at music venues/concerts.. I'm assuming these devices reflect a single laser beam with the piezo mirror according to some coordinates/defined rotations.

Is anyone familiar with these devices? I'm not sure where to read more about them, apart form supplier websites, etc.. I would like to control my own laser projector, creating patterns etc, using an arduino for prototyping.

What other kind of device can achieve high speed movements (>120Hz) for a move-pause-move-pause... type action.

Hope that makes sense.

Answer 1

The ones I have seen that are intended for wide deflection angles like what you are talking about are not piezo but rather galvanic movements (like old meter movements). There used to be a company called General Scanning somewhere in the Boston area (Watertown?) that specialized in these things. I don't know if they are still around, but that's for you to chase down.

Answer 2

They're not piezo actuated. You're searching for a "galvo motor" (or "galvo scanner").

Answer 3

I asked to a collegue that works with lasers, and he uses galvanometer scanners, which are in principle similar to analog instruments: two coils are driven by analog currents that determine the push/pull action of the magnetic field. Their balanced action sets the position of the rotor.

In the site of LaserFX, a manufacturer of these actuators, you can find some explanation about their operation:

From what I understand that brand is quite expensive and he has also bought from this other brand.

You should be able to build one yourself, but hardly you'll get nearly the same performance in terms of speed and accuracy.