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Soleil-Babinet Compensators![]()
SBC-VIS SBC-COMM ![]() Please Wait Features
Applications
The Soleil-Babinet Compensator is a continuously variable, zero-order retarder (wave plate) that operates over a broad wavelength range. The classical design of the compensator consists of a long birefringent wedge and a fixed wedge mounted to a compensator plate. The retardance is adjusted by moving the position of the long wedge relative to the short wedge using the included precision digital micrometer. This allows the retardance to vary continuously while maintaining a uniform retardance across the aperture at any given setting. Crystalline quartz optics are used in both Soleil-Babinet Compensator models. The visible (SBC-VIS) and infrared (SBC-IR) models are designed for the 365 - 800 nm and 740 - 1650 nm spectral ranges, respectively. Our standard Soleil-Babinet Compensators are uncoated for broad spectral operation. To minimize reflection losses when using the compensator over narrow wavelength ranges, we offer AR-coated versions upon request. Please contact Technical Support for more information on this option. The optional SBC-COMM offers cables to provide an RS-232 interface to a PC. GUI software and LabVIEW VIs are provided to allow for easy calibration and readout of the retardance of the compensator. A CD with the software is included; the software may also be downloaded from the link on the Software tab. The included digital micrometer has a Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) mounting barrel and offers 1" (25.4 mm) of travel. To motorize an SBC, a Z825B DC servo motor can be used in place of the standard micrometer. Alternatively, Thorlabs' Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders may be a suitable alternative to a motorized SBC. The Soleil-Babinet Compensator can be mounted on a post using one of the six #8 (M4) counterbores. These counterbores are arranged to allow for a vertical or horizontal orientation.
Software for the SBC-COMMInsights into Motion Control Using the DM713 Digital MicrometerScroll down to read about:
Click here for more insights into lab practices and equipment.
Recording Position from Digital Micrometers![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 2: The SBC-COMM package shown above can be used to log data position data displayed by the DM713 digital micrometer. ![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 1: The DM713 digital micrometer (right) is included with and used to adjust the retardance provided by the Digital micrometers, such as the DM713, are handy for moving a piece of optomech a specific distance. For example, a user might want to increment a translation stage holding a sample in front of an objective lens in order to focus the light to equally spaced points within the sample. However, there are also times where the user might want to record the position of an event. One example could be making a distance measurement where the micrometer is set to a starting position, zeroed, and then translated the desired amount to display the distance. Using the DM713 alone creates an extra step where the user has to read and record the display, which can be tedious in a dark lab where the display is not visible. One solution is to use Thorlabs' SBC-COMM, which includes an RS-232 interfacing cable. Thorlabs has created software application notes that walk the user through creating Visual C#® and LabVIEW® programs to continuously measure distances with the DM713. The application notes can be downloaded from links in the following section. Another solution is to purchase the Mitutoyo® 05CZA662 SPC cable and IT-016U USB input tool that provide a push button and USB interfacing cable. With this device the user can open any text entry software package, press the single push button, and the device acts like a keyboard to enter the number into the software. Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019
DM713 Digital Micrometer: LabVIEW and C# Programming References![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 3: Visual C# and LabVIEW programs can be written to interrogate the DM713 Digital Micrometer. Examples are detailed in programming references available for download. Programming references that provide introductions to communicating with the DM713 Digital Micrometer (Figure 3) are available. One reference has been developed for LabVIEW, and the other for Visual C#. Each reference includes a step-by-step discussion for writing the program, as well as a section that concisely provide the full program text without explanation. Included in the LabVIEW Programming Reference:
Included in the Visual C# Programming Reference:
Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019
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