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Kinematic Bases![]()
NX1N Indexing Base NX1NF Indexing Base, SB1 Locking Circular Base KB3X3 Magnetic Base, KBM1 Lockable Kinematic Breadboard, KB2X2 Magnetic Base, ![]() Please Wait ![]() Click to Enlarge KBS98 Kinematic Seats Can Be Used to Convert a Breadboard into a Kinematic Platform Features
Kinematic bases are an excellent method for mounting elements that need to be inserted and removed from the optical path with a high degree of repeatability. Our ball and V-groove design allows the top plate to be kinematically positioned on the base plate with a high degree of precision. The two plates of the kinematic base are held together using pairs of rare-earth magnets. Selection Guide
Repeatability TestingA selection of Thorlabs Kinematic Bases were tested to determine the deviation of a reflected beam attributed to removing and replacing the top plate of the base. The test setup (see photo below and on the left) consisted of an S1FC635 fiber-coupled laser source terminating in a fiber collimator that was held in a POLARIS-K1 Mirror Mount. The collimated beam was directed towards a BB1-E02 mirror housed in an LMR1 fixed mount that was post mounted on the kinematic base being tested (see photo below and center). After reflecting off the first mirror, the beam traveled towards and reflected off of a second mirror housed in a POLARIS-K1 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 (see photo below and to the right). The total beam path is shown in the first photo and was 1 m long. The test was conducted by first centering the beam on the sensor through adjustment of the Polaris mount holding the second mirror. After centering the beam, thirty seconds were allowed to pass for stabilization purposes, and then a measurement of the beam position was made and recorded as the inital position. Next, the top plate of the kinematic base was lifted from the bottom and then replaced in the same orientation. After a thirty second stabilization period, a second measurement of the beam position was taken. Finally, the Polaris mirror mount was readjusted to center the beam on the sensor, and the process was repeated. Sixty data points were collected, amounting to thirty measurements of the beam displacement. The results of the measurements are presented in the table and graphs below as the absolute difference in µrad between the original position of the beam on the sensor and the position after removing and replacing the top plate of the kinematic base. Each value has been divided by two because a change of θ in the mirror's angle results in a change of 2θ in the measured position. The combined value takes into account both X- and Y-position measurements and represents the net distance of the deviation from the origin. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KB1X1 Kinematic Base
The top mounting plate and bottom base plate of the KB1X1 (KB25/M) kinematic base are magnetically coupled using two pairs of high-strength magnets which provide a holding force of 3.6 lbs. With a ball and V-groove design, the top plate can be inserted and removed with high repeatability. The top and bottom plate both have a center-located #8 (M4) counterbore hole which allows either plate to be mounted to a Ø1/2" post. Using an AE8E25E (AE4M6M) thread adapter, the plates can also be secured to a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped optical table. Alternatively, the KBT1X1T and KBT25T/M top plates feature four 8-32 or M4 tapped holes, respectively (see image to the left). During angular repeatability testing, we obtained a mean of 6.36 µrad, a minimum of 0.58 µrad, and a maximum of 26.72 µrad. For information about repeatability testing of the KB1X1 and other kinematic bases, see the Repeatability tab. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KB2X2 Kinematic Base
The top mounting plate and bottom base plate of the KB2X2 (KB50/M) kinematic base are magnetically coupled using two pairs of high-strength magnets which provide a holding force of 6.25 lbs. With a ball and V-groove design, the top plate can be inserted and removed with high repeatability. The top plate has a central 1/4" (M6) counterbore that can be used to attach a Ø1" post. Alternatively, an SD1 counterbore adapter can be used to make the top plate compatible with 8-32 components, such as Ø1/2" posts. Additionally, the KBT2X2 top plate features four 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes and four 8-32 (M4) tapped holes to provide flexible mounting options. As seen in the image to the left, the top plate of the KB2X2 is engraved with a triangle indicating the high-load mounting region. The top and bottom plates also have blind holes in the side for inserting 5/32" (4 mm) ball drivers to pry the plates apart. Additionally, the KB2X2 features a 9/64" (3 mm) hex head cap screw for tip prevention that can be used to prevent the two plates from separating while in use. Individual top and bottom plates are also available for interchanging different optomechanical setups. However, the 8-32 (M4) cap screw for tip prevention is not included with the purchase of individual top and bottom plates. If you would like a KB2X2 with fewer magnets (weaker magnetic coupling), please contact Technical Support. During angular repeatability testing, we obtained a mean of 11.87 µrad, a minimum of 3.60 µrad, and a maximum of 30.96 µrad. For information about repeatability testing of the KB2X2 and other kinematic bases, see the Repeatability tab. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KB3X3 Kinematic Base ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-K2F1 Mirror Mount on KB3X3 Base
The top mounting plate and bottom base plate of the KB3X3 (KB75/M) kinematic base are magnetically coupled using two pairs of high-strength magnets which provide a holding force of 6.5 lbs. With a ball and V-groove design, the top plate can be inserted and removed with high repeatability. The top plate has a central 1/4" (M6) counterbore that can be used to attach a Ø1/2" post holder, while an array of nine 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes on the top plate provide the same mounting functionality as an optical breadboard. As seen in the image to the left, the top plate of the KB3X3 is engraved with a triangle indicating the high-load mounting region. Individual top and bottom plates are also available for interchanging different optomechanical setups. During angular repeatability testing, we obtained a mean of 21.20 µrad, a minimum of 1.30 µrad, and a maximum of 81.90 µrad. For information about testing done on the repeatability of the KB3X3 and other kinematic bases, please see the Repeatability tab. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KBM1 Kinematic Breadboard ![]() Click to Enlarge FiberBench Mounted on KBM1 Base
The KBM1(/M) is a compact, high-precision, low-profile, lockable kinematic magnetic base, measuring 3.94" x 3.94" x 0.98" (100.0 mm x 100.0 mm x 25.0 mm). The top mounting plate and bottom base plate of the KBM1(/M) kinematic base (see photo to the far right) are magnetically coupled using a high-strength magnet. The KBM1(/M) features a ball and V-groove design with a removable top plate. Individual top and bottom plates are also available for interchanging different optomechanical setups. The top plate has an array of 39 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes [0.46" (11.8 mm) deep] spaced 0.5" (12.5 mm) apart and provides the same mounting functionality as an optical breadboard. The bottom plate has two 2.00" (50.0 mm) long counterbored slots for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for mounting to an optical table. The magnetic force between the two plates is switched on and off by turning the switching screw through 90° using a 3/16" (5 mm) hex wrench. The magnetic switch design allows for the top plate to be mounted with less risk of damage or misalignment to precision components and fragile payloads. Please note that the switch in the base should be set to off before placing the top to avoid damaging the kinematic seats. The switch can be engaged once the top has been installed. Maximum stability in the top plate can be achieved by keeping the center of mass of optomechanics mounted on the plate within the triangular region between the kinematic seats (see photos above). The photo to the upper right shows the KBM1 being used with our FT-38X135 FiberBench. The FiberBench system is designed to couple fiber optic setups into free space and facilitates the quick exchange, insertion, or removal of optical components while maintaining the same optical axis. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KBS98 Kinematic Seats Can Be Used to Convert a Breadboard into a Kinematic Platform
The KBS98 kinematic seats can be used to convert any imperial or metric breadboard into a kinematic platform that can be removed and replaced with a high degree of accuracy. The KBS98 consists of six plates. Three of the plates, which are referred to as the bottom set, have V-groove slots and should be mounted on the stationary optical table or breadboard. The other three plates, which are referred to as the top set, have an inset ball that will sit in the V-groove of the bottom plate. Each seat has a high-strength magnet which, when used together with another seat, provides a holding force of 10 lbs. The top plates should be attached to the optical breadboard that is being taken out of and put back into an optical setup. The seats should be arranged in a triangular pattern near the corners/edge of the optical breadboard with the V-grooves in the bottom plates aligned so that the three axes defined by the V-grooves intersect at a common point. Proper positioning of the plates is necessary in order to maximize the stability of the optical breadboard. ![]()
The SB1(/M) round kinematic base is comprised of both a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate can be easily removed and replaced with an ON/OFF switch that interrupts the magnetic force coupling the plates of the base. When set to ON, high-strength magnets in the base provide a holding force of 4.5 lbs. With a ball and V-groove design, the top plate will automatically reposition to an exact location with high repeatability. The bottom plate has a centered 1/4"-20 (M6) through hole counterbored for a caphead screw that allows the base to be mounted to an optical table. Alternatively, CL6 table clamps can be used in the groove of the bottom plate to fix the base in an arbitrary position on an optical table, as shown in the photo to the right. During angular repeatability testing, we obtained a mean of 11.21 µrad, a minimum of 0.52 µrad, and a maximum of 159.47 µrad. For information about testing done on the repeatability of the SB1 and other kinematic bases, please see the Repeatability tab. The SB1(/M) round kinematic base ships with the SB1T(/M) top plate with a 1/4"-20 (M6) tap and the SB1B bottom plate. Note that the SB1T8 top plate with an 8-32 tap and the SB1T4/M top plate with an M4 tap are compatible with both the SB1T(/M) and SB1B, and must be purchased separately for more threading options. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Kinematic mounts, such as the KM100CP, can be mounted to the NX1NF to allow for tip and tilt adjustments.
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). ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge The NX1N(/M) Indexing Mount can hold an optic at any one of 16 positions, including 45° and 90°.
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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