Floating on air cushion without rollers or sliding components, frictionless PIglide A-141 delivers vibration-free motion with velocity stability and zero mechanical component wear. Miniature linear positioner has preloaded air bearings and integral optical linear encoder. Latter provides position information down to 20 nm resolution. Smooth motion, without any cogging or attractive forces, is provided by ironless linear motors, which reach velocities up to 0.5 m/sec and acceleration to .75 g.