Patent ID: 8446562

Claim:
A system for positioning an optical element within an optical device, comprising: a frame configured to support the optical element; one or more elongated support structures, wherein each of the one or more elongated support structures comprises at least one elongated surface configured to support the frame; a controller configured to supply a control signal; and one or more actuator modules, wherein each of the one or more actuator modules is supported by the frame and configured to engage a respective one of the one or more elongated support structures, each of the one or more actuator modules comprises at least one piezoelectric element, each piezoelectric element comprising: a first portion configured to, upon receiving the control signal, extend in a first direction and to exert a first force at a first position on an elongated surface of a respective elongated support structure, the first direction being perpendicular to the elongated surface; and a second portion configured to, upon receiving the control signal, to extend in the first direction and a second direction and to exert a second force at a second position on the elongated surface, the second direction being parallel to the elongated surface; wherein, to advance the respective actuator module, the first portion is configured to retract in the first direction to release the first force and the second portion configured to, while exerting the second force at the second position on the elongated surface, retract in the second direction.