Fixed Mounting Adapters for Cylindrical Components
- Adapters for Collimators and Other Cylindrical Components
- Internal and External Threaded or Smooth Bore Options
- Options for 3.5 to 16 mm Diameter Components
AD10NT
SM05PT
AD11F
AD1109F
Application Idea
AD11NT Adapter Used to Mount Fiber Collimator
RMS11P
AD57F
OVERVIEW
Features
- Integrate Collimators and Other Cylindrical Components into Lens Tubes and Cage Systems
- Align Components to the Optical Axis
- Externally SM05-, SM1-, and RMS-Threaded Adapters
- Externally Unthreaded Adapters with 1/2" (12.7 mm) and 1" (25.4 mm) Outer Diameter Available
- Designed for Components with Smooth or Threaded Housings
- Smooth Bore Diameters: 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.7 mm, 5.72 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 12.7 mm (1/2"), 15 mm, and 16 mm
- Threaded Collimators: M9 x 0.5 and M11 x 0.5
- Compatible with Fixed Collimators, Adjustable Collimators, Collimation Tubes, Triplet Collimators, GRIN Collimators, Hexagonal Light Mixing Rods, and Laser Diode Modules
These fixed adapters are designed to facilitate the integration of cylindrical components such as collimators into free-space optical setups. We offer adapters that feature external SM05 (0.535"-40), RMS (0.800"-36), or SM1 (1.035"-40) threading as well as adapters that have a smooth 1/2" or 1" outer diameter. The threaded adapters are compatible with our lens tube systems, cage systems, and numerous components in our product line. The non-kinematic unthreaded adapters are best suited for use in kinematic mirror mounts, allowing a collimated beam to be steered by the mount. Each adapter is designed so that the optical axis of the cylindrical component will be centered with respect to the outer diameter of the adapter.
In addition to these fixed adapters, we offer smooth bore and SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) kinematic collimator adapters with pitch and yaw adjustment for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm cylindrical components. We also offer a post-mountable kinematic mount for Ø11 mm cylindrical components, which is part of our Mini-Series line.
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INSIGHTS
Insights into Best Lab Practices
Scroll down to read about some practices we follow when setting up lab equipment.
- Align Fiber Collimators to Create Free Space Between Fibers
- Fiber Collimators: Tip for Mounting with Adapters
Click here for more insights into lab practices and equipment.
Align Fiber Collimators to Create Free Space Between Fibers
Two collimators, inserted into a fiber optic setup, provide free-space access to the beam. The first collimator accepts the highly diverging light from the first fiber and outputs a free-space beam, which propagates with an approximately constant diameter to the second collimator. The second collimator accepts the free-space beam and couples that light into the second fiber. Some collimation packages, including the pair used in this demonstration, are designed for use with optical fibers and mate directly to fiber connectors.
Ideally, 100% of the light emitted by the first fiber would be coupled into the second fiber, but some light will always be lost due to reflections, scattering, absorption, and misalignment. Misalignment, typically the largest source of loss, can be minimized using the alignment and stabilization techniques described in this video.
In this demonstration, the first fiber is single mode. The optical power incident on the second collimator, as well as the power output by the second fiber, are measured. When the second fiber is multimode with a 50 µm diameter core, alignment resulted in 91% of the power incident on the second collimator being measured at the fiber output. This value was 86% when the second fiber is single mode. Some differences in collimator designs, and their effects on the characteristics of the collimated beams, are also discussed.
If you would like more information about tips, tricks, and other methods we often use in the lab, we recommend our other Video Insights. In addition, our webinars provide practical and theoretical introductions to our different products.
| Products Featured During Demonstration | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber-Coupled Laser | Kinematic Mounts | Fiber Adapter Cap (for Power Sensor) |
Single Mode Patch Cable (FC/PC) | Fiber Cable Storage Reels |
| Triplet Fiber Optic Collimators | Power Sensor | Power Meter | Hybrid Single Mode Patch Cable | 2" Posts |
| Adapter (Mount-to-Collimator) |
SM1 Thread Adapter (for Power Sensor) |
Fiber Connector Cleaner | Step-Index Multimode Patch Cable | Ø1/2" Post Holders |
Date of Last Edit: April 21, 2021
Fiber Collimators: Tip for Mounting with Adapters
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Figure 1: The components shown above are joined using threaded interfaces. Since unscrewing the fiber connector could unintentionally loosen connections between the other components, Thorlabs suggests applying epoxy to the other two interfaces to immobilize them.
Fiber collimators are often used to introduce light into an optical setup from a fiber coupled source. Thorlabs offers a variety of fiber collimator packages, some only provide a smooth barrel (like the triplet collimators) and others have a metric thread at the end of the barrel (like the asphere collimators).
For both packages, Thorlabs typically suggests the use of an adapter with a nylon tipped set screw that holds the barrel against a two line contact.
Adapters for the external thread are available (AD1109F) that allow the user to thread the fiber collimator into a mount.
However, the use of these adapters results in a stack up of threaded interfaces (threaded fiber connector, threaded collimator, and threaded adapter). As a result, it is possible that unscrewing the fiber connector could inadvertently loosen another thread interface and create an unknown source of instability in the setup.
For this reason, Thorlabs suggests epoxying the threaded fiber collimators into the threaded mounts if that mounting mechanism is preferred.
Figure 1 indicates the assembly order and places to apply the epoxy.
Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019
Ø1/2" Unthreaded Adapters with Smooth Internal Bore
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An Engraved Dot Opposite to the Slot Indicates the Region where the Adapter Should be Clamped
- Smooth 1/2" (12.7 mm) Outer Diameter
- Stainless Steel Split Bushing Design Clamps Around Component When Mounted Within Ø1/2" Mounts
- Engraved with Item # and a Dot Opposite of the Slot for Locking Location Identification
- Compatible with Ø11 mm or Ø12 mm Fixed Collimators, Laser Diode Modules, or Other Cylindrical Components
These collimator adapters are designed to mount Ø11 mm or Ø12 mm fixed collimation packages in Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) smooth bore mounts. Each adapter has a split bushing design with a smooth bore center hole and an unthreaded 1/2" (12.7 mm) outer diameter. The adapter is fitted over the component and then placed into a smooth bore mount, where it is secured. When being secured within the mount, the adapter will clamp around the component due to the split bushing design, holding the component in place.
The adapter design centers the collimator within the outer diameter, which in turn aligns the collimated beam to the center of the mount it is held in. A black dot is engraved on each adapter, opposite to the split bushing slot, to indicate the location where the adapter should be clamped within a mount.
| Item # | Length | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD11BA | 0.31" (7.9 mm) | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and Laser Diode Modules | 11 mm |
| AD12BA | 0.31" (7.9 mm) | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and TC12 and TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC and FC/APC) | 12 mm |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
AD11BA | Ø1/2" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø11 mm Cylindrical Components | $23.04 | Today |
AD12BA | Ø1/2" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components | $23.04 | Today |
SM05-Threaded Adapter with Smooth Internal Bore
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- External SM05 (0.535"-40) Threads
- Smooth Bore Diameters: 3.5 mm or 4.7 mm
- Nylon-Tipped Setscrew Secures Component
The SM05PT and AD48FA adapters are designed to mount Thorlabs' GRIN Lens Fiber Collimators or Hexagonal Light Mixing Rods, respectively, in SM05-compatible mounts, lens tubes, and cage components. Each adapter's design ensures that the center of the component is aligned with the optical axis when mounted into a SM05 lens tube. Nylon-tipped setscrews secure the component against the two lines of contact created by the double-bored mounting hole. Additionally, there are holes on opposing sides of the central bore that are mechanically compatible with our spanner wrenches listed below.
There are two methods of mounting the hexagonal rods in the AD48FA adapter. Fixing the two setscrews onto a planar side of the rod will provide more mechanical stability. Please note TIR will be interrupted where the nylon touches the planar surface of the rod. Mounting the rod with the nylon-tipped setscrews in contact with an edge of the hexagonal rod will limit the contact between the setscrew and the optical surface, improving the optical performance. It is recommended that the mixing rod be mounted centered in the mount, so that no more than 5 mm of the rod extends past the edge of the mount on either side.
A version of these mounts with SM1 threading is available; please see the SM1PT and AD48F adapters below.
| Item # | Length | Intended for Use With: | Setscrews | Compatible Spanner Wrench |
Compatible Component Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Lengtha | |||||
| SM05PT | 0.50" (12.7 mm) | GRIN Lens Fiber Collimators | One, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | SPW908 or SPW801 | 3.5 mm | ≥0.26" (6.6 mm) |
| AD48FA | 0.59" (15.0 mm) | Hexagonal Light Mixing Rods or Ø4.7 mm Components |
Two, 5/64" (2.0 mm) Hex | SPW801 | 4.7 mm | ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
SM05PT | Customer Inspired! SM05-Threaded Adapter for Ø3.5 mm Cylindrical Components | $40.09 | Today |
AD48FA | SM05-Threaded Adapter for Ø4.7 mm Cylindrical Components | $32.94 | Today |
SM05-Threaded Adapters with Internal Threading
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MHP365L02 Patch Cable Using the AD1109F Adapter
- External SM05 (0.535"-40) Threads
- Internal M11 x 0.5 and M9 x 0.5 Threads
- Compatible with Many Collimation Packages and Aspheric Lens Cells
The AD1109F adapter is designed to mount optical components with external M11 x 0.5 or M9 x 0.5 threading in SM05-compatible mounts, lens tubes, and cage components. This adapter can be paired with the SM1A6 adapter that converts external SM05 threading to external SM1 threading so that the AD1109F can be used in SM1-compatible mounts, lens tubes, and cage components.
| Item # | Length | Internal Threading | Intended for Use With: |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD1109F | 0.56" (14 mm) |
M11 x 0.5 | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators |
| M9 x 0.5 | Mounted Aspheric Lenses |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
AD1109F | SM05-Threaded Adapter for M11 x 0.5 or M9 x 0.5 Threaded Components | $35.94 | Today |
RMS-Threaded Adapter with Internal Threading
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F220SMA-780 SMA Fiber Collimator with a MHP200L02 Patch Cable Mounted in the RMS11P Collimator Adapter
- Internal M11 x 0.5 Threads
- External RMS (0.800"-36) Threads
- Compatible with Our F220, F230, and F260 Collimators
The RMS11P is designed to integrate M11 x 0.5 threaded collimation packages into internally RMS-threaded (0.800"-36) components. The knurled outer edge allows the adapter to be secured without a spanner wrench.
| Item # | Length | Internal Threading | Intended for Use With: |
|---|---|---|---|
| RMS11P | 0.25" (6 mm) | M11 x 0.5 | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
RMS11P | RMS-Threaded Adapter for M11 x 0.5-Threaded Components | $25.67 | Today |
Ø1" Unthreaded Adapters with Smooth Internal Bore
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F671SMA-405 SMA Fiber Collimator with an MHP200L02 Patch Cable Secured in an AD11NT Adapter
- Smooth 1" (25.4 mm) Outer Diameter
- Two Setscrews Secure Collimator in Adapter
- Versions for Fixed Collimators, Collimation Tubes, and Other Cylindrical Components
These collimator adapters are designed to mount fixed collimation packages in Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) mounts. Each adapter has a double bored center hole and an unthreaded 1" (25.4 mm) outer diameter. Two nylon-tipped setscrews hold the collimation package against the two lines of contact created by the double bore. Both setscrews feature a 1/16" (1.5 mm) hex socket. The adapter design centers the collimator within the outer diameter, which in turn aligns the collimated beam to the center of the mount it is held in.
| Item # | Length | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Lengtha | |||
| AD10NT | 0.48" (12.2 mm) | Ø10 mm Components | 10 mm | ≥0.41" (10.4 mm) |
| AD11NT | 0.48" (12.2 mm) | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and Laser Diode Modules |
11 mm | |
| AD12NT | 0.48" (12.2 mm) | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators, TC12 and TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC and FC/APC) |
12 mm | |
| AD127NT | 0.48" (12.2 mm) | Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Components | 1/2" (12.7 mm ) | |
| AD15NT | 0.48" (12.2 mm) | F810 Doublet Collimators, LT Collimation Tubes, TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC and FC/APC) |
15 mm | |
| AD16NT | 0.48" (12.2 mm) | Ø16 mm Components | 16 mm | |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
AD10NT | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø10 mm Cylindrical Components | $26.73 | Today |
AD11NT | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø11 mm Cylindrical Components | $26.73 | Today |
AD12NT | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components | $26.73 | Today |
AD127NT | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Cylindrical Components | $26.73 | Today |
AD15NT | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components | $26.73 | Today |
AD16NT | Customer Inspired! Ø1" Unthreaded Adapter for Ø16 mm Cylindrical Components | $26.73 | Today |
SM1-Threaded Adapters with Smooth Internal Bore
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F240SMA-A Fiber Collimator with an MHP200L02 Patch Cable Secured in the AD12F Collimator Adapter
- External SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
- Setscrews Secure Component in Adapter
- Versions for Fixed Collimators, Collimated Laser Diodes, Collimation Tubes, Hexagonal Light Mixing Rods, and Other Cylindrical Components
These SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) adapters are designed to mount Ø3.5 to Ø16 mm collimators and cylindrical components in SM1-compatible mounts, lens tubes, and cage systems. Each adapter has external SM1 threads and a double-bored center hole. All adapters include setscrews with nylon tips that are used to press the collimation package against the two lines of contact created by the double bore (see the mechanical drawing to the right) and position the collimation package so that its optical axis is coincident with the center of the SM1-compatible mount in which that the adapter is placed. The size and number of setscrews included in each component is listed in the table below.
Except for the AD8F and AD15F, each of these adapters contains holes on opposing sides of the central hole that are mechanically compatible with our SPW909 and SPW801 spanner wrenches.
| Item # | Length | Intended for Use With: | Setscrews | Compatible Component Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Lengtha | ||||
| SM1PT | 0.50" (12.7 mm) | GRIN Lens Fiber Collimators | One, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 3.5 mm | ≥0.26" (6.6 mm) |
| AD4F | 0.50" (12.7 mm) | CFS2 or CFP2 Pigtailed Aspheric Fiber Collimators | One, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 4 mm | ≥0.26" (6.6 mm) |
| AD48F | 0.59" (15 mm) | Hexagonal Light Mixing Rods or Ø4.7 mm Components | Two, 5/64" (2.0 mm) Hex | 4.7 mm | ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) |
| AD57F | 0.59" (15 mm) | CFS5 or CFP5 Pigtailed Aspheric Fiber Collimators | Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 5.72 mm | ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) |
| AD8F | 0.59" (15 mm) | Laser Diode Modules | Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 8 mm | ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) |
| AD9F | 0.59" (15 mm) | CFS11 or CFS18 Pigtailed Aspheric Fiber Collimators | Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 9 mm | ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) |
| AD9.5F | 0.32" (8.1 mm) | Ø9.5 mm Components | One, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 9.5 mm | ≥0.18" (4.6 mm) |
| AD10F | 0.59" (15 mm) | Ø10 mm Components | Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 10 mm | ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) |
| AD11F | 0.59" (15 mm) | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and Laser Diode Modules |
Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 11 mm | |
| AD12F | 0.59" (15 mm) | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators TC12 and TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC or FC/APC) |
Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 12 mm | |
| AD127F | 0.59" (15 mm) | Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Components | Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | |
| AD15F2 | 0.32" (8.1 mm) | CFC Adjustable Aspheric Collimators, F810 Doublet Collimators, LT Collimation Tubes, TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC or FC/APC), |
One, 5/64" (2.0 mm) Hex | 15 mm | ≥0.18" (4.6 mm) |
| AD15F | 0.59" (15 mm) | F810 Doublet Collimators, LT Collimation Tubes, TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC or FC/APC) |
Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 15 mm | ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) |
| AD16F | 0.59" (15 mm) | Ø16 mm Components | Two, 1/16" (1.5 mm) Hex | 16 mm | |
Part Number | Description | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
SM1PT | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø3.5 mm, ≥0.26" (6.6 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $39.50 | Today |
AD4F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø4 mm, ≥0.26" (6.6 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $39.60 | Today |
AD48F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø4.7 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $32.94 | Today |
AD57F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø5.72 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $30.27 | Today |
AD8F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø8 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $33.56 | Today |
AD9F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø9 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $31.45 | Today |
AD9.5F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø9.5 mm, ≥0.18" (4.6 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $32.37 | Today |
AD10F | Customer Inspired! SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø10 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $33.85 | Today |
AD11F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø11 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $33.85 | Today |
AD12F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø12 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $35.05 | Today |
AD127F | Customer Inspired! SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm), ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $35.05 | Today |
AD15F2 | Customer Inspired! SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø15 mm, ≥0.18" (4.6 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $34.30 | Today |
AD15F | SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø15 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $36.23 | Today |
AD16F | Customer Inspired! SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø16 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components | $36.54 | Today |