Model MD-44

Part Number 1016

The MD-44 miniature PZT drive represents a significant departure from existing devices on the market today. Jodon’s MD-44 may be used to frequency stabilize or frequency modulate HeNe or Argon/Krypton lasers without cavity modifications. (*) For a HeNe laser operating at 633nm, the MD-44 can provide an axial mode shift of approximately 20MHz per volt. The mirror drive simply replaces the 5/8-32 mirror retaining nut used by many laser manufacturers.

The mirror is placed between an O-ring and the MD-44 drive. As the PZT drive is expanded by exciting it with a positive voltage, the mirror is translated toward the elastic O-ring, causing it to compress. When the PZT drive is relaxed the O-ring expands, causing the mirror to follow the collapsing drive. Additionally, if the O-ring is modified by cutting away half of the ring, the mirror will tilt slightly during excitation, thereby causing a beam angle shift.