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Features

• Modular and Compact Design
• Dovetail Mechanism
• Lockable Moving Platform
• Rapid and Smooth Positioning

The DT12 dovetail translation stage is a miniature, entry-level positioner, ideal for use in applications where space is limited and is available in either single-axis or multi-axis configurations. It is 1.0" square and provides a travel length of 0.5". The design uses a precision-rolled M3 x 0.35 mm pitch leadscrew for smooth linear positioning along the entire range of travel. The moving platform is lockable to guard against accidental movement. The top and bottom plates feature 8-32 (M4) holes for a variety of mounting options.

The modular design allows the stages to be assembled easily into 2- or 3-axis configurations using the DT12A right angle bracket. XYZ configurations can easily be built from a DT12XY stage and a DT12 stage by using the DT12A bracket. Please note that in order to guarantee orthogonality of the axes, XY configurations must be ordered preconfigured from Thorlabs. Slotted base plates for mounting the stages to an optical table are supplied with all 2- and 3-axis configurations but are also available separately. Alternatively, the stage can be mounted to an #8-32 (M4) threaded post.

Various application accessories are also available (see below); the DT12CSA allows the stage to be mounted with the 60 mm cage system, and the DT12RA enables the stage (or other optomech device such as a lens holder) to be mounted horizontally in a rotational axis, providing 360° movement. It also allows a rotational axis to be added to an existing configuration - see below for more details. When combined with the RC series of rail carriers (an SD1 adapter ring is required for use with the RC1 or RC3), the DT12 stage can be mounted within rail systems using the RLA series of small optical rails.

The photo to the right shows a DT12XYZ three -axis stage with a DT12RA rotation adapter fitted. A rotational axis has been added to the 3-axis configuration by fitting another DT12 stage to the rotation adapter - see below for more details. Please note that the additional DT12 stage is not included with the DT12RA and must be purchased separately.

This tab describes mounting options for using the stages with our Ø1/2" posts and our dovetail optical rails and rail carriers. We also offer a line of mounting brackets and adapters below that are specifically designed for our miniature dovetail stages.

The stage can be mounted to an Ø1/2" post as shown to the right by threading the 8-32 (M4) stud on the post into the tapped hole on the stage's bottom plate.

The DT12(/M) stage can also be incorporated into systems built using our dovetail optical rails. The stage can be bolted directly to the RC1 rail carrier. This is accomplished by using an 8-32 (M4) screw with an SC1 counterbore adapter inserted into the counterbore of the RC1, and then threading the screw into the tapped hole on the stage's bottom plate. The RC1carrier provides coarse positioning along the rail and the DT12 stage can be oriented to provide fine positioning in any direction.

The RC3 can also be used to introduce coarse positioning at 90° to the rail direction. A typical assembly is shown below. The DT12 stage shown could be substituted for an XZ, XY, or XYZ configuration.

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DT12A Angle Bracket -The DT12A, which is compatible with both imperial and metric stages, allows two stages to be mounted perpendicular to each other. This bracket is required when assembling stages in a XZ, YZ, or XYZ configuration (as shown in the main image above).

DT12B Baseplate - The DT12B(/M), provides a convenient method of bolting the stage to the work surface (a baseplate is supplied with all two- and three-axis configurations). The stage fixes to the basplate using the 6-32 (M3) bolts and cleats provided. A countersunk mounting bolt (1/4"-20 or M6) for fixing the baseplate to the work surface is also supplied.

CL6 Clamp - The CL6 optical clamps offer an alternative method of fixing the stage to the work surface. Two CL6 clamps can be used in place of the DT12B baseplate as shown to the right.

A slotted base plate (DT12B) is available for mounting the stage to an optical table. The base is fixed to the work surface via a central hole (both imperial and metric fixings are supplied).
The stage is attached to the base by plastic cleats as shown left.

The stage can also be secured using two CL6 clamps as shown right.

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The DT12CSA allows the DT12 stage to be mounted within a 60 mm cage system. When inserted into a cage system (as shown below), the distance from the top surface of the stage to the center line of the cage system will be 24 mm.

The DT12RA rotation adapter enables the DT12 stage (or other optomech device such as a lens holder) to be mounted in a rotational axis to provide 360^o of movement. The rotation adapter is lockable and can be secured directly to the work surface using the DT12B base plate or two CL6 clamps. It can also be mounted on the DT12CSA cage system adapter or fitted to an existing two- or three-axis configuration to provide rotation in pitch roll or yaw as described below.