| Posted: October 27, 2009 |
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Paper on Pixel-Sub-Stepping / Image Resolution Enhancement with Piezoelectric Mechanisms
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(Nanowerk News) Piezo specialist PI has published a paper on image resolution enhancement and image stabilization for electronic imaging sensors based on fast piezo actuation.
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The paper describes basic techniques and explains different piezoelectric motion principles such as flexure mechanisms and ultrasonic motors.
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Paper Download at: http://www.pi-usa.us/pdf/Paper_Imaging_Resolution_Enhancement_With_Piezo_Mechanisms.pdf
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Resolution Limiting Factors
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In order to increase the resolution of common imaging detectors such as CCDs or CMOS either the chip size can be increased or the pixel size be reduced; both solutions have undesirable side-effects.
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The first case requires a larger recording device and different imaging optics. In the second case, light sensitivity decreases with the pixel size, also reducing the signal/noise ratio.
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Super-Resolution with Pixel Sub-Stepping
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With so-called pixel sub-stepping, the recording area is moved on predefined paths with a defined frequency. This “dithering”, where the travel is less than the size of a pixel, causes the pixel to be exposed several times on the recording area, producing a virtual “pixel multiplier” which can significantly improve the resolution without negative side-effects.
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Today, small and cost efficient piezo devices (in-plane scanners or tip/tilt mechanisms) are available to handle the task. In addition to image resolution enhancement, these devices are also fast enough to remove jitter induced by vibration from images and video.
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About PI
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PI is a leading manufacturer of piezo actuators, piezo linear motors and precision motion-control equipment for optics, photonics, bio-nanotechnology & semiconductor applications. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard & custom precision products with piezoceramic and electromagnetic drives for 35+ years. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high-quality solutions for OEM and research. PI is present worldwide with eight subsidiaries and total staff of 500+
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