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CONCLUSION

When choosing the proper optical table and optical table supports, it is important to evaluate the sensitivity of the experiment being placed on the optical table and the vibration sources present both on the table and in the surrounding environment. The external forces (due to vibrations) acting on an optical table may be static (e.g., bending or twisting as a result of a large mass being placed on the tabletop) or dynamic (e.g., vibrations from a motor placed on the tabletop). Dynamic forces may also be coupled into the table from the building itself, passing traffic, earth tremors, elevators, et cetera. Optical tables are designed to be rigid structures that damp the vibrations created on or transferred to the optical table surface while optical table supports are available with vibration isolation systems that minimize the transfer of external vibrations to the table surface.
Table 4 below provides a general guideline for selecting the proper vibration isolation system based on the application and the laboratory environment
Quite Environment
(The lab floor consists of a subterranean slab in a remote environment) 		Typical Laboratory Environment
(The lab is in the basement or ground floor of building) 		Noisy Environment
(The lab is on the upper floors of a building or near significant sources of vibrations)
Less Demanding Applications
 Standard Series Optical Table

with

Rigid Optical Table Supports 		Performance Series Optical Table

with

Passive Optical Table Supports 		Performance or Ultra Series Optical Table

with

Active Optical Table Supports
General Applications in Photonics
  • Bioimaging
  • Raman Spectroscopy
  • Micropositioning and Machining
 Performance Series Optical Table

with

Passive Optical Table Supports 		Performance Series Optical Table

with

Active Optical Table Supports 		Ultra Series Optical Table

with

Active Optical Table Supports
Demanding Applications
 Performance or Ultra Series Optical Table

with

Active Optical Table Supports 		Performance or Ultra Series Optical Table

with

Active Optical Table Supports 		Ultra Series Optical Table

with

Active Optical Table Supports

Table 4. General selection guide for optical tables and optical table supports.

Thorlabs also offers an extensive array of accessories to be used with an optical table:

  • Enclosure Systems can be used to increase laser safety, restrict airflow over sensitive equipment, and protect equipment from incidental contact.
  • Overhead Shelving allows equipment like benchtop controllers, computers, and power supplies to be removed from the optical table surface. This frees up valuable space on the table and removes potential sources of vibration (cooling fans) from the optical table surface.
  • Under-the-table Shelving allows large pieces of equipment like pump lasers to be mounted under the table. The equipment mounted on these shelves is still isolated from the room vibrations via the optical table supports (the shelf has no damping mechanisms).
  • Gas Handling Accessories

 
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