Waveguide Mounts


  • Vacuum Waveguide Mounts
  • Adjustable Waveguide Mounts
  • Blank for Custom Mounts

HWM003

HWS001

HWV001

HBB001

HWS001

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The mounts on this page are specialized for waveguide applications. Thorlabs offers a wide variety of flexure platform mounts that utilize the alignment keyway found on our multi-axis flexure platforms.

Flexure stage mounts can be fixed in position using AMA010(/M) mounting cleats, which are sold below. Each cleat is designed with one edge milled flat, making it possible to insert or remove a flexure stage mount without removing the clamp. Simply loosen the clamp screw and rotate the flat side of the lock-down clamp inward to release the flexure stage mount.


Posted Comments:
Jan FitzGibbon  (posted 2024-03-05 09:26:08.91)
The Autocad PDF dimensions are false, the diameter of the nozzle is not 2.5mm, it is 2mm. This is an important measurement for the vacuum when selecting tubing.
do'neill  (posted 2024-03-15 06:48:20.0)
Thank you for your feedback, I will look into this to see if the drawings need clarifying or correcting. These are designed for tubes with an inner diameter of 2mm. I will reach out to you to further discuss your application.
Chris Axline  (posted 2023-04-26 10:02:27.573)
The acceptable chip width is 4-38 mm, but the specifications do not say anything about minimum chip length. The minimum length appears to be 15 mm (is this correct?). It would be helpful if this were clearer.
scott.hendrickson  (posted 2013-06-27 15:11:57.457)
Could you please comment on the type of vacuum pump you recommend using with the vacuum waveguide holder?
cdaly  (posted 2013-07-03 13:23:00.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our feedback tool. The suitability of a vacuum is highly dependent on how flush the waveguide is to the mounting surface, the shape of the waveguide, whether the mount is orientated upside down, weight of the waveguide etc. giving a very large scope for what level of vacuum is suitable for the application. We would state however that a high vacuum is not required. As this is made from anodised aluminium, a really high vacuum may cause some issues with their pumping equipment if the vacuum is too strong. The vacuum should implement 2mm ID tubing in order to interface with the HWV001.
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Multi-Axis Flexure Stage Accessories: Vacuum Waveguide Mount

  • Eight User-Selectable Vacuum Ports Provide Support for a Broad Range of Optic Sizes
  • Small, Compact Design Allows Easy Access to your Planar Optical Element

The HWV001 waveguide holder utilizes a vacuum to provide the holding force when securing planar waveguide devices. The mount consists of a platform, into which a series of connected holes are provided. A series of conical-tipped setscrews (compatible with a 1.5 mm hex key) are included to block the unused ports. By removing just the setscrews that will lie underneath the optical element, a vacuum-generated holding force, appropriate for the size of the component, will be available. The vacuum connection is designed for tubing with a 2 mm inner diameter. The strength of vacuum required is dependent on the specific application; however a high vacuum should not be used as the anodization of the mount may negatively impact the pumping equipment.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
HWV001 Support Documentation
HWV001Vacuum Waveguide Mount
$244.70
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Multi-Axis Flexure Stage Accessories: Adjustable Waveguide Mount

  • Accepts Thin Rectangular Elements 4 - 38 mm Wide and <2 mm Thick
  • 3-Point Contact via Precision-Ground Chromium Steel Balls
  • Adjustable Holding Force Provided by a Beveled Spring-Loaded Plunger

The HWS001 adjustable waveguide mount, while originally intended for use with planar waveguides, is useful for mounting a broad range of optical devices. Any thin (<2 mm thick) rectangular device requiring integration into an optical system utilizing a Thorlabs' multi-axis flexure stage can be mounted in this holder, provided the width of the device is less than 38 mm. This broad range of sizes is supported by moving the two sliding platforms to within a few millimeters of the width of the device and then locking them into position with the setscrews. The holding force is supplied by a spring-loaded plunger that pushes the optical element against two, angled, white plastic pegs. A kinematic three-point contact is also achieved using three hardened chromium steel balls as optical support points.

Note. The HWS001 is not compatible with the MBT401 4-axis Device Platform

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
HWS001 Support Documentation
HWS001Adjustable Waveguide Mount
$412.21
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Multi-Axis Flexure Stage Accessories: Waveguide Mounts

  • 10 mm and 35 mm Lengths
  • Please Call Tech Support for a Quote to Customize One of These Mounts

Our standard waveguide mounts are used to mount customer-supplied waveguide devices. All waveguide mounts are supplied with a tongue that fits snugly into the locating slots of the nanopositioner platforms or brackets. Users can glue experimental devices directly to the waveguide mounts. All mounts are 9.5 mm high, with 3 mm clearance to the nominal optical axis, and 32 mm wide. All of the plain waveguide mounts are designed to accommodate different sized devices while allowing access for single mode fibers or microscope objectives.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
HWM001 Support Documentation
HWM001Standard Waveguide Mount, 10 mm Length
$81.38
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HWM003 Support Documentation
HWM003Standard Waveguide Mount, 35 mm Length
$75.14
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Blank Mounting Bracket

While we offer an extensive line of fiber launch and waveguide accessories, it is difficult to anticipate all of the possible requirements that may arise for customers. Hence, we have added these simple components, which ease the production of one-of-a-kind mounting accessories. As can be seen in the photograph to the left, the front surface of each blank is clearly marked with witness lines, which are centered on the 12.5 mm high optical axis of our multi-axis flexure systems.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
HBB001 Support Documentation
HBB001Blank Device Mount for Flexure Stages
$87.89
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HBB002 Support Documentation
HBB002Blank Device Mount for Flexure Stages, Bracket
$62.08
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Accessory Lockdown Clamps

To lock an accessory in place, rotate the AMA010 cleat so that the flat is facing the stage's groove. Place the accessory into the groove between the cleats, rotate the cleat so that the rounded edge covers the edge of the mount, and lock down the cap screw.

Click for Details

Accessories mounted in close proximity using the AMA110 Mounting Block.
Lockdown Clamps
Item # AMA010 AMA010/M AMA110 AMA110/M AMA111
Included Hardware 6-32 Cap Screw (x15)
M3.5 Washer (x15)
M3 Cap Screw (x15)
M3 Washer (x15)
6-32 Nylon Tip
Setscrew (x12)

6-32 Cap Screw (x4)
M3 Nylon Tip
Setscrew (x12)

M3 Cap Screw (x4)
6-32 Cap Screw (x2)
M3 Cap Screw (x2)
M3.5 Washer (x2)
M3 Washer (x2)
7/64" Hex Key
2.5 mm Hex Key
Mechanical Diagram
(Click for Details)


Click to Enlarge
Close proximity mounting using the AMA010 Cleat and AMA111 Clamp.

  • Secures Components to NanoMax, MicroBlock, or RollerBlock Stages
  • Cleats for Mounting Single Components
  • Mounting Blocks and Clamps for Close Proximity Mounting of Multiple Components

The AMA010(/M) Cleats have a flat milled along one side. To lock an accessory along the center alignment groove, rotate the cleat so that the flat is facing the groove. Place the accessory into the groove between the cleats, rotate the cleat so that the rounded edge covers the edge of the mount, and lock down the 6-32 (M3) locking screw and washer. The cleats can be rotated without needing to remove the locking screws. See the animation to the right for details. The included screws are 5/16" (8 mm) long and are used with a 3/32" (2.5 mm) hex key.

For mounting multiple components in close proximity, we offer the AMA110 mounting blocks. These mounting blocks feature a line of nylon-tipped setscrews to secure components, and allow for easy repositioning and very close mounting. The blocks are secured via two holes and are supplied with either 6-32 or M3 cap screws.

The AMA111 Narrow Device Mounting Clamps offer an alternative solution when devices need to be mounted close together. They are secured using an M3.5 or M3 washer and a 6-32 or M3 cap screw, compatible with a 7/64" or 2.5 mm hex key, respectively. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
AMA010 Support Documentation
AMA010Cleats with 6-32 Locking Screws, Qty. 15
$44.54
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AMA110 Support Documentation
AMA110Optic Mounting Block, Qty. 2
$60.38
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
AMA111 Support Documentation
AMA111Narrow Device Mounting Clamps, Qty. 2
$31.49
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
AMA010/M Support Documentation
AMA010/MCleats with M3 Locking Screws, Qty. 15
$44.54
Today
AMA110/M Support Documentation
AMA110/MOptic Mounting Block, Qty. 2, Metric
$60.38
Today