Cage Translation Stage and Accessories

Overview
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The CT1 Cage Translation Stage travels 1/2" (12.7 mm) along the optical axis (or z-axis) of a 30 mm cage system. This translator includes a CT101 Ø1" optic mount, which is also available separately below. In addition, we offer other optic mounts that are designed for both the CT1 and the 1/4" Translation Stages. See below for details.

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CT1 Packaging

Smart Pack

Item #	% Weight Reduction	CO₂-Equivalent Reduction^a
CT1	39.62%	31.78 kg

Smart Pack

Reduce Weight of Packaging Materials
Increase Usage of Recyclable Packing Materials
Improve Packing Integrity
Decrease Shipping Costs

Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at waste minimization while still maintaining adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing packaging design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging materials for our customers when possible, this initiative seeks to improve the environmental impact of our product packaging. Products listed above are now shipped in re-engineered packaging that minimizes the weight and the use of non-recyclable materials.^b As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered packages with our Smart Pack logo.

Travel-based emissions reduction calculations are estimated based on the total weight reduction of packaging materials used for all of 2013’s product sales, traveling 1,000 miles on an airplane, to provide general understanding of the impact of packaging material reduction. Calculations were made using the EPA’s shipping emissions values for different modes of transport.
Some Smart Pack products may show a negative weight reduction percentage as the substitution of greener packaging materials, such as the Greenwrap, at times slightly increases the weight of the product packaging.

Posted Comments:

user (posted 2020-09-16 13:19:20.33)

I suggest adding an option for imperial or metric micrometer (as the included micrometer)

YLohia (posted 2020-09-16 03:48:25.0)

Thank you for your feedback. We will consider adding this to our stock catalog. Please note that the CT1 can be ordered with a metric micrometer as a special item by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. Alternately, you may purchase the 148-801ST (metric micrometer) separately and install it in your CT1.

Ken Li (posted 2020-08-21 22:03:39.79)

Please provide tolerance on the bottom key which is shown as nominal width of 4.0mm. What's the max/min of that width? -Ken Li 510-410-4283

YLohia (posted 2020-08-24 10:27:57.0)

Hello Ken, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The tolerance on the bottom key for the CT102 is 0.157" +0.000"/-0.001".

Eric Mueller (posted 2020-05-28 12:54:57.197)

No metric version of the CT1 available (incl. a metric micrometer)? Cheers, Eric

llamb (posted 2020-05-28 05:14:27.0)

Hi Eric, thank you for your feedback. The imperial micrometer included with the CT1 may be switched out with a metric micrometer (Item # 148-801ST) as needed. We can also provide a custom CT1 with a metric micrometer already included. I have reached out to you directly to discuss this option.

akastengren (posted 2018-08-29 10:46:00.683)

Is there a way to put a stepper motor actuator on this product?

YLohia (posted 2018-08-29 11:48:38.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Yes, it is possible to install a stepper motor actuator (such as the ZST213B) in the CT1 since it has a 3/8" mounting barrel.

acable (posted 2007-12-31 08:28:00.0)

The description in the price box for the CT1 reads: 1/2" Cage Translation Stage. Please consider: 1/2" Travel 30mm Cage translator with CT101.

Cage Translation Stage with 1/2" Z-Axis Travel

Cage Translation Stage with 1/2in Z-Axis Travel

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View Imperial Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
CXY1	1	30 mm Cage System, XY Translating Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics
CT1	1	1/2" Translation Stage for 30 mm Cage Systems
SM1S15	1	SM1 Lens Tube Spacer, 1.5" Long
CP02	2	SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, 8-32 Tap
ER8-P4	1	Cage Assembly Rod, 8" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack

View Metric Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
CXY1	1	30 mm Cage System, XY Translating Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics
CT1	1	1/2" Translation Stage for 30 mm Cage Systems
SM1S15	1	SM1 Lens Tube Spacer, 1.5" Long
CP02/M	2	SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, M4 Tap
ER8-P4	1	Cage Assembly Rod, 8" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack

CXY1 Coupled to CT1 Z-Axis Translation Mount Using SM1S15 Lens Tube

Designed for Translation or Rotation of Optics Along 30 mm Cage System Optical Axis
Includes 1/2" Travel Micrometer with 0.001" per Graduation
Comes with CT101 Ø1" Optic Mount for Optics up to 0.35" (8.9 mm) Thick
Precision Linear Ball Bearings
Lockable Design

The CT1 Cage Translator is designed to be used in 30 mm cage systems that require translation along the optical axis of the cage. Precision linear ball bearings are used to ensure smooth, high-resolution motion. The graduated micrometer provides 1/2" (12.7 mm) of linear translation and has 0.001" graduations. The smallest incremental movement of the carriage is approximately 1 µm. The included micrometer (Item # 148-811ST) may be switched out with a metric micrometer (Item # 148-801ST) with 10 µm graduations.

The modular design allows the accessories sold below to be mounted to the movable carriage of the CT1. As shown in the image, the CT1 stage includes the CT101 Ø1" Optic Mount, which has internal SM1 threading (1.035"-40) for mounting Ø1" optical components up to 0.35" thick, or externally SM1-threaded components, such as our SM1 lens tubes. One SM1RR retaining ring, two 4-40 and two M3 cap screws for securing the mount, and two removable dowel pins for alignment are also included with the mount.

Ø1" Optic Mount

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CT101 Optic Mount with SM1 Lens Tube shown attached to the CT1 Translator in a 30 mm Cage System

SM1 (1.035"-40) Threaded Bore Directly Accepts Ø1" Optics up to 6.9 mm (0.27") Thick
Compatible with Our Line of SM1 Lens Tubes
Finger Groove Recess Allows for Ease of Alignment
Compatible with Our CT1 Cage Translator and 1/4" Translation Stages

The CT101 provides a means to mount SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) devices as well as Ø1" optics to the CT1 Translator. It is also compatible with our 1/4"-travel translation stages using our MS103 or MS103/M Adapter Plate. One SM1RR retaining ring, two 4-40 and two M3 cap screws, and two removable dowel pins for alignment are included with each unit.

Ø1/2" Optic XY Translation Mount

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The CT1 Translator has been Combined with a CT102 Translating Lens Mount to Create an XYZ Configuration

Provides ±0.04" (±1.0 mm) of Travel in X and Y Directions
SM05 (0.535"-40) Threaded Bore Directly Accepts Ø1/2" Optics up to 9.9 mm (0.39") Thick
Wobble: <100 µrad
Resolution: 250 µm/rev
Compatible with Our CT1 Cage Translator and 1/4" Translation Stages

The CT102 has an internal SM05 (0.535"-40) threading for mounting Ø1/2" optics up to 0.39" (9.9 mm) thick or externally SM05-threaded components. The CT102 allows for ±1 mm of travel in the X and Y direction using M3 x 0.25 fine adjusters. It is also compatible with our 1/4"-travel translation stages using our MS103 or MS103/M Adapter Plate. One SM05RR retaining ring, which secures a component by sandwiching it between the ring and the back lip on the mount, and two 4-40 and two M3 cap screws for securing the mount are included with each unit.

Ø1/2" Optic Rotation Mount

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CT104 Rotation Mounted shown with the CT1 Cage Translation Stage in a 30 mm Cage System

Coarse Rotation: 360° Continuously Adjustable
Graduations: 2° Increments
Mount Ø1/2" Optics up to 7.3 mm (0.29") Thick
Runout: <0.0001" (25 μm) Along Optical Axis
Max. Clear Aperture: 0.43"
Lockable design
Compatible with Our CT1 Cage Translator and 1/4" Translation Stages

The CT104 rotation mount provides 360° of continuous rotation for Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) optics and SM05 threaded components. The 2° graduation allows for precise positioning of components, such as linear polarizers and waveplates. A top-mounted nylon-tip setscrew is used to lock the freedom of rotation when the mount has been set in the correct orientation. It is also compatible with our 1/4"-travel translation stages using our MS103 or MS103/M Adapter Plate. One SM05RR retaining ring, which secures a component by sandwiching it between the ring and the back lip on the mount, and two 4-40 and two M3 cap screws for securing the mount are included with each unit.

Blank Mount

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CT103 Blank Mount shown on the CT1 Cage Translation Stage

Ideal for Custom Machining
Center-Drilled Dimple Allows for User to Precisely Align Along the Cage's Optical Axis
Finger Groove Recess Allows for Ease of Alignment
Compatible with Our CT1 Cage Translator and 1/4" Translation Stages

The CT103 blank device mount has a solid surface to allow the end user to tailor the mount for custom applications. Custom hole sizes and threads can be machined using any size drill bits and taps. A center-drilled dimple is provided to help in aligning with the optical axis during the machining process. It is also compatible with our 1/4"-travel translation stages using our MS103 or MS103/M. Two 4-40 and two M3 cap screws for securing the mount are included with each unit.

View All »Matching Part Numbers

Cage Translation Stage and Accessories

Smart Pack

Cage Translation Stage with 1/2" Z-Axis Travel

Ø1" Optic Mount

Ø1/2" Optic XY Translation Mount

Ø1/2" Optic Rotation Mount

Blank Mount