Indexing Mounts


  • Ideal for Redirecting a Laser to Multiple Targets
  • Repeatability Better than 10 µrad
  • Mounting Base Available

NX1N

Kinematic Base
for Ø1" Optics

NX1NF

Ø1.3" Kinematic Mounting Base

NX1NF

Bottom

NX1NF

Top

NX1N

Top Plate
Shown with
Mirror

NX1N

Bottom Plate
(Post Not Included)

Through Hole for
5/64" (2.00 mm)
Balldriver

Application
Idea

Related Items


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Features

  • Indexed Mounting Base with 16 Discrete Positions for Beam Steering
  • Ø1" Optic Mount with 16 Indexed Positions
  • Ball Bearing and V-Groove Design Results in Repeatability Better than 10 µrad
  • Fabricated from Black Anodized Aluminum

These indexing mounts allow a shared laser beam to be redirected within multiple setups or for an optical signal to be interchanged between multiple test instruments. The NX1N(/M) indexing optic mount is designed to hold Ø1" optics no more than 7 mm (0.27") thick, while the NX1NF(/M) indexing mounting base features a top-located 8-32 (M4) tapped hole for general-purpose mounting. Both indexing mounts have three 8-32 (M4) tapped mounting holes on the bottom plate, enabling multiple mounting options, and can be easily positioned at one of 16 discrete positions. In addition, a through hole in the side of the base accepts a 5/64" (2.00 mm) balldriver to attach the mount to a standard Ø1/2" post.

Please Note: The top plate of the NX1N(/M) indexing mount for Ø1" optics is compatible with the bottom plate of the NX1NF(/M) indexing mounting base and the top plate of the NX1NF(/M) indexing mounting base is compatible with the bottom plate of the NX1N(/M) indexing mount for Ø1" optics.

Repeatability Testing

A selection of Thorlabs' Indexing Mounts were tested to determine the deviation of a reflected beam attributed to removing and replacing the top plate of the mount. The test setup consisted of an S1FC635 fiber-coupled laser source, terminating in a fiber collimator that was held in a previous-generation Polaris® Mirror Mount. The collimated beam was directed towards a BB1-E02 mirror housed in an LMR1 fixed mount that was post mounted on the indexing mount being tested. After reflecting off the first mirror, the beam traveled towards and reflected off of a second mirror housed in a Polaris mount. After reflection, the light was directed onto a PDP90A Lateral Effect Position Sensor that had three SM05L10 SM05-Threaded Lens Tubes attached to the front to block stray light.

NX1N and NX1NF - Summary of Results
Dimension Mean Median Minimum Maximum Plot
|ΔX| 10.05 µrad 1.32 µrad 0.09 µrad 140.45 µrad Position Deviation
|ΔY| 1.30 µrad 1.00 µrad 0.01 µrad 4.27 µrad Position Deviation
Combined 10.6 µrad 2.12 µrad 0.38 µrad 140.50 µrad Position Deviation
NX1N
NX1NF

Posted Comments:
epavlenko  (posted 2017-02-24 10:43:29.657)
Could you please clarify the reputability test. What is the beam travel distance between the mirror on the mount NX1N and the detector
tfrisch  (posted 2017-04-10 02:56:46.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about testing for these indexed mounts.
j.degallaix  (posted 2016-12-05 10:36:29.777)
Hello Thorlabs engineers, Would it be possible to only sell the top plate of the NX1N/M ? The idea behind the question would be to quickly swap at mirror at 45 degrees with a beamsplitter. Thanks in advance for your answer Cheers, Jerome
tfrisch  (posted 2016-12-05 01:53:45.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about details for quoting.
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Indexing Mounting Base: Ø1.3" (Ø33 mm)

Indexing Mounting Base
Click to Enlarge

Kinematic mounts, such as the KM100CP, can be mounted to the NX1NF to allow for tip and tilt adjustments.
Indexing Mounting Base
Click to Enlarge

Top and Bottom Plates of the NX1NF(/M) 
  • Indexed with 16 Positions at 22.5° Increments
  • Top Plate has an 8-32 (M4) Tap for Component Mounting
  • Three 8-32 (M4) Tapped Mounting Holes in Bottom Plate
  • Easy, Repeatable Exchange of Optical Components

The NX1NF(/M) Indexing Base features 16 indexed positions every 22.5° allowing mounted components to be held at both 45° and 90°. The angular positions are engraved on the base plate for fast alignment. The top plate returns to any given position, indicated by an engraved witness line, with high repeatability. This mount is ideal for redirecting a laser to multiple targets on an optical table, as well as for precise switching of shared laser systems.

For maximum stability, the center of gravity of components mounted to the top plate, NX1NFT(/M), should be located within the designated mounting region (see photo above).

Neodymium iron magnets couple the top and bottom plates while stainless steel ball bearings and V-grooves provide the 16 indexing positions. Three 8-32 (M4) tapped mounting holes in the bottom plate allow the mount to be secured to a Ø1/2" post. A small through hole, located directly under the 90° engraving on the bottom plate, accepts a 5/64" (2 mm) balldriver to help provide enough torque when attaching the mount to the post. The magnets in the NX1NF provide a holding force of 1.5 lbs between the top and bottom plates. During angular repeatability testing, we obtained a mean of 10.6 µrad, a minimum of 0.38 µrad, and a maximum of 140.50 µrad. For information about testing done on the repeatability of the NX1NF and other kinematic bases, please see the Repeatability tab.

Please Note: The top plate of this indexing mount is compatible with the bottom plate of the NX1N(/M) 16-position, indexing mount (sold below).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
NX1NF Support Documentation
NX1NFComplete 16-Position Tapped Indexing Mounting Base, 8-32 Taps
$115.23
Today
NX1NFT Support Documentation
NX1NFTTop Plate Only of NX1NF Indexing Mounting Base, 8-32 Tap
$48.69
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
NX1NF/M Support Documentation
NX1NF/MComplete 16-Position Tapped Indexing Mounting Base, M4 Taps
$115.23
Today
NX1NFT/M Support Documentation
NX1NFT/MTop Plate Only of NX1NF/M Indexing Mounting Base, M4 Tap
$48.69
Today
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Indexing Mount for Ø1" Optics

Indexing Optic Mount
Click to Enlarge

The NX1N(/M) Indexing Mount can hold an optic at any one of 16 positions, including 45° and 90°.
  • Indexed with 16 Positions at 22.5° Increments
  • Holds Ø1" Optics up to 7 mm (0.27") Thick
  • Three 8-32 (M4) Mounting Holes in Bottom Plate
  • Easy, Repeatable Exchange of Optical Components

The NX1N(/M) Indexing Mount for Ø1" optics features 16 indexed positions every 22.5°, allowing the optic to be held at both 45° and 90°. This mount is ideal for redirecting a laser to multiple targets on an optical table, and its angular positions are engraved on the base plate for fast alignment. The top plate returns to any given position, indicated with the engraved witness line, with a high repeatability. During angular repeatability testing, we obtained a mean of 10.6 µrad, a minimum of 0.38 µrad, and a maximum of 140.50 µrad. For information about testing done on the repeatability of the NX1N and other kinematic bases, please see the Repeatability tab.

The included SM1 (1.035"-40) retaining ring (SM1RR) secures the optic against the front lip of the mount. This indexing mount can hold optics that are no greater than 7 mm (0.27") thick. Neodymium iron magnets couple the top and bottom plates, while stainless steel ball bearings and V-grooves provide the 16 indexed positions. Three 8-32 (M4) tapped mounting holes in the bottom plate allow the mount to be secured to a Ø1/2" post. A small through hole, located directly under the 90° engraving on the bottom plate, accepts a 5/64" (2.00 mm) balldriver to help provide enough torque when attaching the mount to the post.

Please Note: The top plate of this indexing mount is compatible with the bottom plate of the NX1NF (NX1NF/M) 16-position, indexing mounting base.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
NX1N Support Documentation
NX1NCustomer Inspired! 16-Position Indexing Mount for Ø1" Optics, 8-32 Taps
$130.68
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
NX1N/M Support Documentation
NX1N/MCustomer Inspired! 16-Position Indexing Mount for Ø1" Optics, M4 Taps
$130.68
Today