Products Home / Optical Tables, Breadboards, and Supports / Solid Aluminum Optical Breadboards / Large-Area Rotating BreadboardsLarge-Area Rotating Breadboards
- Removable Center Allows
Rotation Around Components - Simple, Hand-Operated
Positioning
RBB12A
Position Locking
Screw
Position Locking
Screw
RBBA1
SM1-Threaded Center Insert
Removable Center Portion
Measuring Ø3.58" (Ø91.0 mm)
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RBB6A with Optional RBBA1 SM1-Threaded Center Insert
Features
- 360° Continuous, Hand-Operated Rotation
- Ø6" (Ø150 mm), Ø12" (Ø300 mm), or Ø18" (Ø450 mm) Sizes
- Standard 1/4"-20 (1" Pitch) or M6 (25 mm Pitch) Hole Patterns
- 0.5" (12.7 mm) Thickness
- Position-Locking Mechanism
- Black Anodized Aluminum Construction
These Large-Area Rotating Breadboards are available in three sizes with standard 1/4"-20 or M6 x 1.0 hole patterns: Ø6" (Ø150 mm), Ø12" (Ø300 mm), or Ø18" (Ø450 mm). The hole patterns feature 1" or 25 mm centers. The breadboard thickness is 0.5" (12.7 mm), which is the same as our standard solid aluminum breadboards. These breadboards are designed for use in applications requiring coarse angular adjustment of optical assemblies. Each breadboard features a removable Ø91 mm (Ø3.58") center section, allowing components to be placed at the center while the breadboard rotates around them (see photo to the right). A laser-etched scale around the edge of the rotating surface has 1° graduations. Positioning is achieved by rotating the platform by hand.
The breadboard features a dovetailed edge and three lockable kinematic mounts that can be positioned anywhere around the perimeter via the three locking screws using the included 2.5 mm hex key. The mounts also incorporate slotted holes that, together with their adjustable positioning, allow flexibility when the breadboard is secured to an optical table or other work surface. The image to the right shows a prism spectroscope built using the RBB12A; see the Application Idea for details about this setup.
The Ø91 mm (Ø3.58") middle section of the breadboard can be replaced with an RBBA1(/M) center insert (sold separately) that features an SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) central aperture. By mounting the rotation breadboard on posts, this insert allows light to be directed upwards from a mirror mounted underneath the breadboard's surface. Optics can then be mounted using the insert for use in a variety of applications, such as the setup in the image to the right. In this setup, an RBB12A breadboard rotates around an elliptical optic mount, which was mounted via the RBBA1 insert. Using a mirror mounted underneath the rotation breadboard, a laser beam is deflected through the center of the breadboard and onto a second mirror that directs the beam onto a detector. When the breadboard is post mounted, ensure the clamps are not too tightly assembled. Overtightened screws will prevent the breadboard from rotating. Note that the breadboard will require more torque to rotate with heavier loads mounted on the platform.
| Item # | RBB6A and RBB150A/M | RBB12A and RBB300A/M | RBB18A and RBB450A/M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Range | 360° Continuous | ||
| Working Height | 0.5" (12.7 mm) | ||
| Load Capacity (Max) | 20 kg (44 lbs)a | ||
| Taps | RBB6A, RBB12A and RBB18A: 1/4"-20 on 1" Pitch RBB150A/M, RBB300A/M and RBB450A/M: M6 on 25 mm Pitch |
||
| Max Vertical Run Out Over Full Travel | 25 μm | 50 μm | 75 μm |
| Max Horizontal Run Out Over Full Travel | 25 μm | 50 μm | 75 μm |
| Overall Dimensions (Excluding Clamps) | Ø6.64" (164 mm) | Ø12.4" (314 mm) | Ø18.27" (464 mm) |
| Platform Dimensions | Ø5.91" (150 mm) | Ø11.8" (300 mm) | Ø17.72" (450 mm) |
| Weight | 1.76 lb (0.8 kg) | 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) | 6.6 lb (3.0 kg) |
| Construction | Solid Aluminum | ||
| Finish | Black Anodized | ||
Prism Spectroscope
A prism spectroscope is an instrument often used in undergraduate optics labs to measure the wavelength of atomic vapor transitions. In our version of this classic experiment, we image the spectrum of a white light LED using a previous generation DCU223C color CCD camera. The large mounting surface of the rotating breadboard could easily mount other components, such as additional detectors, which could then be precisely rotated into and out of the beam path. To build a similar set-up, refer to the tables below corresponding with either the imperial or metric list of parts. Click on the item number to bring up a pop-up window with more information about that component.
Note: The previous generation DCU223C color CCD camera is not available for individual purchase. For use in your application, please consider our line of 1.6 MP CMOS Compact Scientific Cameras. These cameras are available with either a monochrome or color CMOS sensor, are compatible with a USB 3.0 interface, and are compatible with our 30 mm Cage Systems.
Prism Spectroscope Images
Below are four still images that were taken by rotating the camera on the breadboard. The plots below the graph show the relative red, green, and blue intensity of a horizontal line of pixels within the corresponding CCD image. Please note that the images do overlap each other slightly.
| Posted Comments: | |
Stephen McLaughlin
(posted 2019-05-13 10:27:55.657) I have the RBB18A mounted on 4" tall posts (1" diameter). However, it's extremely difficult to turn. Is there some way to improve the needed torque for this? I find that I have to lift the board against the mounts to turn it. (I have 3 mirrors, 2 XYZ position mounts, and a 3 lb weight on it).
I've made sure the locking screws are loose and ready to turn, but nothing has made this thing easier to turn. In my experience with it, it's not much in the way of rotation. (I also expected some sort of bearing setup, not 3 plastic clips and a dovetail connection). bhallewell
(posted 2019-05-14 04:43:56.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. I'll contact you directly to discuss this with you. The first thing to ensure is that the locking screws are not tightened. Additionally, as this is an aluminium dovetail design, the more load which is applied to the breadboard will cause the board to flex when clamped to 1” posts. The location of such posts on the mounting surface will also contribute to the torque required to move the platform. High load will naturally increase the friction between the breadboard & the clamps, increasing the torque required to rotate the platform. Hugo.Diaz
(posted 2018-02-15 08:42:34.073) Large-Area Rotation Stage RBB18A
If I set up the stage in a vertical manner, what will be the maximum wait allowed to mount without damage it.
Thanks,
Hugo bwood
(posted 2018-02-21 04:05:33.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. The mounting clamps of the RBB series rotating breadboard are not designed to carry the full weight of the breadboard, and they will likely be damaged if the breadboard is mounted vertically in any orientation. Thus we advise that the RBB series breadboards should not be mounted vertically, and should only be mounted horizontally. Stephen.Turner
(posted 2017-02-27 07:57:01.383) Is the Large-Area Rotation Stage completely non-magnetic? bhallewell
(posted 2017-03-01 05:06:10.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: The breadboard body is anodised aluminium & contains components of delrin & stainless steel (screws). The stainless steel screws are the only magnetic components within the construction of the product. ron.schulze
(posted 2017-02-08 15:26:46.883) Is there a moment loading specification that we need to maintain for the RBB12A product? bhallewell
(posted 2017-02-09 10:07:19.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: We spec an on-axis load of 20 kg (44 lbs) however we do not hold a spec for moment load. I will contact you directly to discuss the suitability of the product for your application. tcohen
(posted 2012-10-18 14:28:42.413) Response from Tim at Thorlabs: I apologize that you’re not satisfied with the performance of your unit. We will of course offer a repair if the unit is not performing. We have contacted you directly to provide support. |
Rotating Optical Breadboard