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High Vacuum Encoders: Overview
High Performance at High Vacuum with the Smallest Encoders: Mercury™ and Mercury II™.
Mercury™ and Mercury II™ vacuum encoders are specified in a wide range of applications due to their combination of performance, small size, and high vacuum rating. Choose from models with programmable digital output, analog output, or digital output right from the sensor, all constructed using vacuum-compatible materials rated up to 10-8 torr. All sensors can be used with linear, rotary and arc segment scales.
| Model | Resolution | Output | Features | Scales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury II 6000V | 5μm–1.2nm | Digital | Programmable | Glass; Linear & Rotary |
| Mercury 3500V | 5μm–5nm | Digital | Programmable | Glass; Linear & Rotary |
| Mercury 2000V | 5μm–78nm | Digital | Programmable | Glass; Linear & Rotary |
| Mercury 1000V | 5μm–78nm | Analog | 1Vpp Output | Glass; Linear & Rotary |
| Mercury 1500V | 5μm–0.5μm | Digital | Digital from the Sensor | Glass; Linear & Rotary |
| Accuracy | Long Travel |
|---|---|
| With Glass Scales (Linear) | High accuracy grade: up to ±1μm† Standard accuracy grade: ±3μm† |
| † See data sheets for full specifications | |
High Performance in the Smallest Package
With sensors only 8.2mm tall, capable of resolutions up to 1.2nm and cyclical error of ±20nm, unsurpassed motion system performance is achieved in the most compact vacuum applications. Plus, thermal effects are minimized due to the low power consumption of Mercury encoder sensors — only 0.25W for most models. All models perform at 10-8 torr with negligible outgassing. Bake out is rated at 150°C for 48 hours. And Mercury and Mercury II vacuum encoders perform in high magnetic field environments.
Unsurpassed Ease of Use

• Broadest Alignment Tolerances: With the broadest alignment tolerances in the industry, a full ±2 degrees, Mercury and ChipEncoder are the easiest and the fastest sensor to align and setup. You can align the Mercury sensor in under 30 seconds.
• SmartPrecision Software: Optional software for setup, data plots, diagnostics, and programmable features (programmable models).
Wide Range of Scales
Vacuum-compatible linear and rotary glass scales are available in lengths from 13mm to 2m, and diameters up to 121mm. Rotary glass scales are available with or without hubs, and in arc segments.
• Linear measuring length as small as 13mm
• Accuracy up to ±1μm
• Compact: Only 6mm wide, including the built-in index (applications ≤130mm)
• Rotary diameter as small as 12mm
• Custom options: Special widths, thicknesses, near-zero CTE materials, diameters, or rotary arc segments





