Voice coil designed by BEI Kimco Magnetics for spectrometer uses samarium-cobalt magnets

A voice-coil actuator for a spectrometer application had to perform at an ambient temperature of 400°F. The actuator dithers a mirror at high frequency to move a laser beam when the spectrometer is identifying materials in a given sample. BEI Kimco Magnetics, Vista, Calif., developed the actuator within the Model LA13-12-000A package to handle the job. The new design included special samarium-cobalt magnets and reinforced magnet-wire insulation that withstands the high ambient temperatures while delivering a continuous stall force of 0.5 lb over a 0.25-in. stroke.

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