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Lens Tube Couplers and Locking Rings![]()
SM2T1 Couples Two CMT10 Couples Two SM1S10 Spacer for Two Internally Threaded SM1 Lens Tubes SM1CPL Shown Clamping Two Application Idea SM1CMM Shown Coupling Two KCB1 Kinematic Mirror Mounts CMNT1 Slotted C-Mount ![]() Please Wait Thorlabs' Lens Tube Couplers are available with internal threading, external threading, or clamping designs, making it possible to couple our SM05, SM1, SM2, or SM3 Lens Tubes, as well as our C-Mount Extension Tubes. Our threaded lens tube couplers are designed to couple two components with external threads or two components with internal threads. Locking rings for securing externally SM05-, SM1-, SM1.5-, SM2-, SM3-, and C-mount threaded parts are available as well. Our Non-Rotating Couplers for SM1 Lens Tubes are ideal for mounting SM1-threaded components that are sensitive to rotation, such as wired components or lens tubes with polarization optics. Coupling adapters are threaded onto the lens tubes and then clamped together, allowing components to be joined without rotating the component. These light-tight couplers are also ideal for bridging existing lens tube systems. The Flexure Sleeve Couplers allow lens tubes to be locked independently. The flexure clamping mechanism allows lens tubes to be positioned with either external or internal threads facing outward. These couplers feature a light-tight design. The SM1CPL Flexure Sleeve Couplers hold SM1 lens tubes and C-Mount extension tubes while the SM2CPL Flexure Sleeve Couplers hold SM2 lens tubes. Externally threaded lens tube couplers can be used to create assemblies that require optics to be mounted in specific orientations. When the orientation is adjusted, the tube length also changes. Here, the threaded coupler is used to build a setup that incorporates crossed polarizers. Note that the white line on each polarizer housing indicates the transmission axis. For applications sensitive to distance as well as orientation, please see our Non-Rotating Couplers below.
![]() Click to Enlarge The SM1T20 Lens Tube Coupler can be used to join sliding 30 mm cage system segments. In the photo above, the locking rings on the SM1T20 Coupler are tightened to retain the rotational alignment of the two cage segments. The cage rod flexure screws on the CP02F Cage Plate must be loosened to allow the cage segment on the right to slide. Thorlabs' Threading SpecificationsThorlabs' lens tubes utilize a series of non-standard threadings. Threading specifications are given below for our SM threadings utilized in our lens tube and cage system components so that you can machine mating components to suit your application. We also offer products with C-Mount and RMS threadings, and the specifications for these threadings are also given below. Please note that other manufacturers may have different tolerances for these threads. For other thread specifications that are not listed here, please contact Tech Support.
![]() The SM05T1 is an internally threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded SM05 (0.535"-40) components. It is designed to directly mate two of our SM05-threaded standard lens tubes. Thorlabs offers three externally threaded couplers for joining internally SM05-threaded components. These feature external threads along the entire length of the part, allowing for optimization of the position and angle of the attached components. Each coupler ships with two SM05NT locking rings, which can be tightened by hand to secure the attached components. Additional locking rings can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any SM05-threaded components. The use of multiple locking rings allows lens tubes to be locked independently, such as when using crossed polarizers (see the video above for a demonstration). For applications where it is difficult to reach the locking ring by hand, we offer the SM05NT1 Slotted Locking Ring and SPW502 Spanner Wrench. This locking ring contains slots for the 3/4" end of the spanner wrench. The SM05NT1V locking ring is a vacuum-compatible version of the SM05NT1 locking ring. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, this unanodized locking ring is vacuum compatible down to 10-6 Torr. The table below lists the specifications for all available couplers and locking rings. ![]() The CMT1 is an internally C-Mount-threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded C-Mount (1.00"-32) components. Its length of 0.35" is designed for direct mating of two C-Mount Extension Tubes. The CMT2 and CMT10 externally threaded couplers are designed for joining internally C-Mount-threaded components. These feature external threads along the entire length of the part, allowing the relative position and rotation of a camera and lens to be adjusted. Each coupler ships with two CMNT Locking Rings, which can be tightened by hand to secure the attached components. Additional locking rings can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any C-Mount-threaded components. The use of multiple locking rings allows lens tubes to be locked independently, such as when using crossed polarizers (see the video above). For applications where it is difficult to reach the locking ring by hand, we offer the CMNT1 Slotted Locking Ring and SPW502 Spanner Wrench. This locking ring contains slots for the 1¼" end of the spanner wrench. The table below gives the specifications for all available couplers and locking rings. ![]() The SM1T1 is an internally SM1-threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded SM1 (1.035"-40) components. Its length of 0.28" is designed for direct mating of two standard lens tubes (SM1Lxx series). Thorlabs offers five externally threaded couplers for joining internally SM1-threaded components. These feature external threads along the entire length of the part, allowing for optimization of the position and angle of the attached components. Each one ships with two SM1NT locking rings, which can be tightened by hand to secure the attached components. Additional locking rings can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any SM1-threaded components. The use of multiple locking rings allows lens tubes to be locked independently, such as when using crossed polarizers (see the video above for a demonstration). For applications where it is difficult to reach the locking ring by hand, we offer the SM1NT1 Slotted Locking Ring and SPW502 Spanner Wrench. This locking ring contains slots for the 1¼" end of the spanner wrench. The SM1NT1V locking ring is a vacuum-compatible version of the SM1NT1 locking ring. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, this unanodized locking ring is vacuum compatible down to 10-6 Torr. For a one-component solution for spacing two externally threaded SM1 components at a fixed distance, please see our line of lens tubes without external threads, available in lengths ranging from 0.5" to 3.5". For a one-component solution for spacing internally threaded SM1 components at a fixed distance, see our selection of SM1 Lens Tube Spacers below. The table below gives the specifications for all available couplers and locking rings. ![]() ![]()
These externally threaded Lens Tube Spacers are designed to connect two components with internal SM1 threads at a fixed distance. They are internally unthreaded and have a clear aperture of Ø0.95" (Ø24.0 mm). The figure to the right shows two SM1L30C slotted lens tubes holding two plano-convex lenses. Separating these is the SM1S30 lens tube spacer, attached to a post with an SM1RC lens tube slip ring. Lens tube spacers allow significant space to be added between two fixed lenses using only one component. ![]() ![]()
These internally threaded Lens Tubes are designed to connect two components with external SM1 threads. Alternatively, optics can be housed inside with access to both ends. To join these lens tubes end-to-end, use an SM1 Lens Tube Coupler, sold above. Two SM1RR Retaining Rings are included with each lens tube.
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Thorlabs' Non-Rotating SM1 Lens Tube Couplers enable SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) lens tubes or components to be joined without rotating the component to engage the SM1 thread. This allows SM1 lens tube systems to be mated without changing the orientation, which is critical in polarization applications. These couplers also allow SM1-threaded components, such as our power meter sensors or other SM1-threaded detectors, to be attached to a system without coiling the sensor cable. To join two SM1-threaded components together, an adapter with internal or external threads is attached to each part. An aluminum centering ring with a Viton® O-Ring is inserted between the adapters and the parts are pressed together. The clamp housing is then engaged using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key, which compresses the adapters and O-ring together, creating a light-tight and airtight seal. The clamp housing offers a #8 (M4) counterbore for mounting to our Ø1/2" Posts. *Due to the outgassing of anodized aluminum, this coupler is not suitable for vacuum applications. Only the coupling adapters are compatible with KF25 centering rings and clamping hardware. For purging applications, positive pressure can be maintained up to 50 psi (3.4 bar). ![]() Click for Details SM1CMF Coupler Diagram SM1CMF Installation ![]()
These Lens Tube Couplers are flexure-clamping sleeves that can hold any Ø1" lens tube, C-Mount extension tube, or other Ø1.2" outer diameter cylindrical object. A lens tube can be slid into each end of the coupler and secured by tightening the two 5/64" (2 mm) hex screws on the side of the sleeve. Each coupler features a black silicone gasket along the clamping section to provide light-tight coupling of lens tubes (see photos to the right). Lens tubes can be mounted with either internal or external threads facing out and at any position along the length of the coupler as long as there are at least 6 mm of the tube inside the clamp. ![]() The SM1.5T Locking Ring has internal SM1.5 (1.535"-40) threads and a knurled outer edge. It can be used to limit the external thread depth of any SM1.5-threaded components such, as the KAD1F kinematic adapter. The use of two locking rings allows lens tubes to be locked in independent rotational orientations on both ends of an SM1.5-threaded component. Alternatively, a pair of locking rings screwed against each other may be used to create a hard stop. See the table to the right for specifications. ![]() The SM2T1 is an internally threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded SM2 (2.035"-40) components. It is designed to directly mate two of our SM2-threaded standard lens tubes. Thorlabs offers three externally threaded couplers for joining internally SM2-threaded components. These feature external threads along the entire length of the part, allowing for optimization of the position and angle of the attached components. Each coupler ships with two SM2NT locking rings, which can be tightened by hand to secure the attached components. Additional locking rings can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any SM2-threaded components. The use of multiple locking rings allows lens tubes to be locked independently, such as when using crossed polarizers (see the video above for a demonstration). For applications where it is difficult to reach the locking ring by hand, we offer the SM2NT1 Slotted Locking Ring and SPW503 Spanner Wrench. This locking ring contains slots for the 2¼" end of the spanner wrench. The table below gives the specifications for all available couplers and locking rings. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge An SM2CPL10 holding two Ø2" lens tubes. A rubber gasket makes the coupler light tight. ![]() Click to Enlarge Lens Tubes Are Secured by Tightening Two 5/64" Hex Screws
These Lens Tube Couplers are flexure-clamping sleeves that can hold any Ø2" lens tube or other Ø2.2" outer diameter cylindrical object. A lens tube can be slid into each end of the coupler and secured by tightening the two 5/64" (2 mm) hex screws on the side of the sleeve. Each coupler features a black silicone gasket along the clamping section to provide light-tight coupling of lens tubes (see photos to the right). The coupled lens tubes may be clamped with either the internal or external threads facing out and any position along the length of the coupler as long as there are at least 6 mm of the tube inside the clamp. ![]() The SM3T1 is an internally threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded SM3 (3.035"-40) components. It is designed to directly mate two of our SM3-threaded standard lens tubes. The SM3T2 Coupler features external SM3 threading (3.035"-40), which enables the coupling of two components with internal SM3 threads. It ships with two SM3NT locking rings, which can be used to lock the position of an attached SM3 component. Additional locking rings (Item # SM3NT) can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any SM3-threaded components. The use of multiple locking rings is particularly desirable in situations where you have two components with preferential relative directions, such as when using crossed polarizers (see the video above for a demonstration). The table to the right gives the specifications for all available items. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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