These vacuum-compatible versions of the AB90, AB90H, AB90A(/M), and AB90C(/M) brackets above are chemically cleaned and prepared for vacuum applications before packaging. They are compatible directly out of the packaging with vacuum environments down to 10^-6 Torr. With additional cleaning and processing, they can be used at even lower pressures, only limited by the outgassing rate of the aluminum (see the table below). The material properties of the aluminum and the cleaning methods completed by the end user should be used to determine the appropriateness of these products and materials in a specific vacuum system.

Thorlabs also offers a variety of other vacuum-compatible optomechanical components and breadboards that can be combined to build experimental setups for use within a vacuum chamber.

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Item #	AB90V	AB90HV	AB90AV(/M)	AB90CV(/M)
Counterbored Mounting Slots	Two 1/4" (M6) Slots			One 1/4" (M6) Slot
Counterbored Mounting Holes	N/A
Tapped Holes	None		Six 1/4"-20 (M6) Holes per Side	Three 1/4"-20 (M6) Holes on One Side
Dimensions (L x W x H) [Click for Mechanical Drawing]	2.00" x 1.50" x 2.00" (50.8 x 38.1 x 50.8 mm)	2.00" x 0.75" x 1.58" (50.8 x 19.1 x 40.0 mm)	2.00" x 1.50" x 2.00" (50.8 x 38.1 x 50.8 mm)	2.00" x 0.75" x 2.00" (50.8 x 19.1 x 50.8 mm)
Vacuum Compatibility	>10-6 Torra
Material	6061-T6 Aluminum
Outgassing Rate at 20 °C	7.6 x 10-9 Torr-Liters/s/cm2
Packaging	Double Vacuum Bagged

• This is the pressure at which these components can be used directly out of the packaging with no additional processing. They can be used at even lower pressures with additional cleaning and processing.

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AP90L with MB636 Breadboard

• One-Piece Aluminum Construction for Excellent Rigidity
• Angled Rear Support Structure Reinforces Mounted Optomechanics
• Parallel and Perpendicular to Within 0.002" (0.05 mm)
• Physical Dimensions:
  • AP90(/M): 2.88" x 2.50" x 3.00" (73.2 mm x 63.5 mm x 76.2 mm)
  • AP90L(/M): 8.80" x 2.50" x 3.00" (223.5 mm x 63.5 mm x 76.2 mm)

The AP90(/M) Right-Angle Plate is an ideal solution for building sturdy three-dimensional optomechanical assemblies that require vertical positioning. This plate provides four 1/4"-20 (M6) clearance slots, seven 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes, and two 1/4"-20 (M6) counterbores oriented at 90° from the optical table surface. Its base contains two 1.30" (34 mm) long, 1/4"-20 (M6) clearance slots and two 1/4"-20 (M6) counterbores for mounting to an optical table.

Our AP90L(/M) Large Right-Angle Plate is a heavy-duty mount, capable of holding breadboards at 90° relative to an optical table's surface. This plate provides a generous array of 31 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and six 1/4"-20 (M6) counterbores oriented at 90° from the optical table surface. Its base contains three 1/4"-20 (M6) clearance slots and six 1/4"-20 (M6) counterbored holes for mounting to an optical table.

For an alternative 90° mounting option, the top plate on our AP180 Adjustable Angle Plate can be positioned to provide mounting configurations similar to the AP90. Thorlabs also offers 45° and 30°/60° mounting plates.

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MSAP90 Mechanical Drawing

• One-Piece Aluminum Construction for Excellent Rigidity
• Angled Rear Support Structure Reinforces Mounted Optomechanics
• Parallel and Perpendicular to Within 0.002" (0.05 mm)

Our MSAP90(/M) Mini-Series Right-Angle Plate, based upon our popular AP90 Right-Angle Plate design, is an ideal solution for constructing rigid three-dimensional assemblies with our Mini-Series components. This bracket provides four 4-40 (M3) clearance slots, seven 4-40 (M3) tapped holes, and two 4-40 (M3) counterbores oriented at 90° from an optical table surface. Its base contains two 1.0" (25.4 mm) long, 4-40 (M3) clearance slots and two 4-40 (M3) counterbores for mounting to a Mini-Series Breadboard.

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50 mm Rail Bolted to Optical Table

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Reinforced 25 mm Rail Corner

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25 mm Rail Enclosure Bolted to Optical Table

• Brace Rail Corners or Mount Rails Vertically
• One-Piece Aluminum Construction for Excellent Rigidity
• For Use With 1/4"-20 (M6) Cap Screws
• Versions for 25 mm, 50 mm, and 75 mm Rails

These right-angle brackets can be used to fasten optical construction rails to each other or to an optical table. Each bracket can be secured to an optical rail by screwing it to T-nuts (not included) inserted into the rail channels. Either the XE50A90 or the XE75A90 bracket may be used with our 50 mm x 75 mm rails, depending on which side of the rail(s) the bracket is attached to.

The XE25A90 bracket is ideal for fastening our optical enclosures to an optical table or breadboard.

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RM1G Linking Three Ø1" Pillar Posts

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RM1S Slotted Cube Securing a Hardboard Enclosure Wall

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Low-Profile Channel Screws in RM1G

• RM1G: Counterbored on Three Sides
• RM1S: Counterbored on Three Sides and Slotted to Accommodate Enclosure Walls
• One-Piece Aluminum Construction for Excellent Rigidity
• Parallel and Perpendicular to Within 0.002" (0.05 mm)

These Construction Cubes contain three 1/4" (M6) counterbores on adjacent faces. They can be connected to up to three optomechanical components by tightening our Low-Profile Channel Screws (sold below) through the counterbores, as shown in the images to the right. In addition, the RM1S cube has slotted corners to accept posterboard and hardboard walls for the construction of light-tight optical enclosures. Since both these cubes are machined from a single block of aluminum, they are ideal for constructions that need to be as sturdy as possible. 

If compatibility with more than three optomechanical components is needed, or if components are to be placed on opposing faces, please consider the RM1F Construction Cube below.

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[APPLIST]

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RM1F Being Used to Mount Two Ø1" Pillar Posts at a Right Angle for an Optomechanical Assembly

• Attach up to Six Optomechanics at Right Angles
• One-Piece Aluminum Construction for Excellent Rigidity
• Parallel and Perpendicular to Within 0.002" (0.05 mm)

These construction cubes have one centered tapped hole on each of their sides. Machined from a single block of aluminum, they are ideal for constructions that need a high degree of sturdiness. By using setscrews, up to six optomechanics can be attached to each cube.

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VB01 Holding an MB1224 Breadboard

• Mount Large Breadboards at a 90° Angle
• One-Piece Construction for Excellent Rigidity
• Parallel and Perpendicular Within 0.003" (0.07 mm)
• 6", 11.75", or 18" Brackets Available
• Each Bracket Sold Individually

These Vertical Brackets are designed to mount any of our aluminum breadboards vertically on an optical table. The edges contain 1/4" (M6) clearance holes and 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes at regular spacings, providing a high degree of mounting flexibility. The VB01A(/M) has three 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes along the 45° edge for additional mounting options. 6", 11.75", and 18" tall brackets are available.

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Two AP90RL Brackets Connected by an Arched Slot

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AP90RL Holding MB12 Breadboard Vertically

• Large Mounting Surface with Tapped Holes on Front, Sides, and Top
• Two Arched Slots for Rotating Base by up to ±50°
• One-Piece Aluminum Construction for Excellent Rigidity
• Parallel and Perpendicular to Within 0.002" (0.05 mm)
• Physical Dimensions: 5.00" x 3.40" x 7.00" (127.0 mm x 86.4 mm x 177.8 mm)

The AP90RL(/M) Large Angle Bracket is a heavy-duty component ideal for mounting breadboards and other bulky optomechanics at right angles to an optical table. The front, sides, and top contain a generous array of 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and clearance holes, and the front additionally provides two parallel 2.40" (61 mm) long clearance slots. The base contains two 1/4"-20 (M6) clearance slots and five clearance holes, as well as two arched 1/4"-20 (M6) slots that provide continuous rotation of ±50° prior to fastening the bracket down.

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Two Kinematic Mirror Mounts on a Tombstone Block

• Suitable for Fixing a Large Number of Optomechanics
• Equipped with 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes at Regular Spacings
• Mounted on Included, Removable BA2(/M) Base
• Total of 160 Tapped Holes
• Mounting Block Dimensions
  • TS240: 2.00" x 1.47" x 4.00" (L x W x H)
  • TS240/M: 50.0 mm x 37.3 mm x 100.0 mm (L x W x H)

By offering a total of 160 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) tapped holes, the TS240(/M) Tombstone Mounting Block provides unparalleled vertical mounting capability. All five exposed surfaces provide a generous array of tapped holes for compatibility with virtually all standard optomechanics.

The photo to the right shows the TS240 with two KM100 Kinematic Mounts, two ME1-P01 Protected Silver Mirrors, and two BA2 Bases. One BA2(/M) base is included with the tombstone mounting block; mounts and mirrors are sold separately.

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Low-Profile Screw in RM1G Construction Cube

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Standard Cap Screw in RM1G Construction Cube

Our Low-Profile Channel Screws have a reduced cap head height relative to standard screws, permitting them to be used in tight spaces. In particular, they are recommended when neighboring screws are at a right angle and in close proximity, as in our XE25W3 Corner Cube or RM1G and RM1S Construction Cubes.

Shown to the right are a standard cap screw and a low-profile channel screw installed in an RM1G cube. The low-profile screw's shortened cap height prevents neighboring screws from interfering with each other.

The head of each screw also fits into XE rail channels for alternate construction methods, as outlined here.