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Products Home / Imaging Systems & Components / Microscopy Components / Mechanical Components for Microscopy / Cage System Optic Mounts for Microscopy / Cage Cubes for Fluorescence Filter SetsCage Cubes for Fluorescence Filter Sets
- Quickly Interchange Filter Sets with Repeatable Alignment
- Mount Ø1" or Ø2" Excitation and Emission Filters
- Cage System and Lens Tube Compatible
DFM1
30 mm Cage Cube for Fluorescence Filter Sets, SM1-Threaded Ports
Cube Inserts and Base Also Available Separately
DFM2
60 mm Cage Cube for Fluorescence Filter Sets, SM2-Threaded Ports
Magnetic Coupling Offers Repeatable Alignment of a Fluorescence Filter Set within a Cage System
Please Wait
Fluorescence filter sets can be easily mounted in a fluorescence filter cube (filters sold separately).
Click to Enlarge
Each filter cube can hold a fluorescence filter set: one dichroic mirror, one excitation filter, and one emission filter.
Click to Enlarge
Each filter cube has two excitation (EX) and two emission (EM) filter ports. Ports labeled with the same number should be used together.
Features
- Cage Cubes for Holding Fluorescence Filter Set (Sold Separately)
- 30 mm or 60 mm Cage System Compatible
- SM1 (1.035"-40) or SM2 (2.035"-40) Lens Tube Compatible
- Two Emission Ports with 3° Tilt to Reduce Undesired Reflections
- Individual Cube Inserts, Base, and Cover Plate Also Available
- Easily Swap Cube Inserts with Different Mounted Optics
- Cage Cube Connectors for Connecting Two Cubes Side by Side (Sold Separately Below)
- Compatible with Beam-Turning Cube and Beamsplitter Cube Systems
Thorlabs' Fluorescence Filter Cubes are designed to hold a fluorescence filter set (dichroic mirror, excitation filter, and emission filter) in a cage-system-compatible cube for home-built microscopy setups. Each filter cube consists of a post-mountable base and removable insert that accepts filter set components. The insert is magnetically retained in the cube base, allowing for repeatable insertion in an aligned setup. Additional inserts are available to easily exchange alternate filter sets. This enables the user to switch between fluorescence imaging of different wavelengths or to change the direction of the reflected light.
As shown in the animation to the right, the insert is designed to hold a rectangular optic, such as a dichroic mirror, beamsplitter, silver mirror, or polarizing bandpass filter. The rectangular optic is clamped gently in place using a leaf spring that provides a uniform holding force to minimize stress. To mount the rectangular optic, remove the leaf spring using a Phillips #00 screwdriver and then insert the optic with the reflective coating face down. Only light force is needed to prevent the optic from moving; we recommend screwing in both screws most of the way before final tightening.
| Quick Links | |
|---|---|
| 30 mm Cage Components |
Complete Cubes |
| Individual Components | |
| Cube Connector | |
| 60 mm Cage Components |
Complete Cubes |
| Individual Components | |
| Cube Connector | |
In addition, the cube insert has four ports for round filters. Excitation and emission filters can be mounted in two possible configurations (see the diagram to the right) and are held using the included retaining rings, which can be tightened or loosened with our spanner wrenches (sold separately). The emission ports are oriented at a 3° angle with respect to the face in order to reduce undesired reflections. To help keep track of your filter sets, spaces are provided on the top to write labels for the mounted filters and mirrors. The cube insert is designed to be inserted in a single orientation with respect to the cube base, so it is important to orient the full cube assembly in the proper direction. The 30 mm cage cubes and cage cube inserts on this page are available with either a left- or right-turning orientation.
The base of these kinematic cubes has an SM-threaded port on each vertical face; the 30 mm cage-compatible cubes have SM1 (1.035"-40) threading, while the 60 mm cage-compatible cubes have SM2 (2.035"-40) threading. The cube base is equipped with three bottom-located 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes, which provide direct compatibility with our Ø1" posts or Ø1.5" posts. Alternatively, an AE8E25E (AE4M6M) thread adapter (sold separately) can be used for compatibility with our Ø1/2" posts.
| Fluorescence Filter Cubes Selection Guide | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Excitation Filter Dimensions | Emission Filter Dimensions | Dichroic Filter Dimensions | Cage Compatibility | Lens Tube Compatibility |
| DFM1(/M) DFM1L(/M) |
Ø25 mm, 5.0 mm Max. Thickness |
Ø25 mm, 3.5 mm Max. Thickness |
Min: 25.0 x 35.6 x 1.0 mm Max: 25.2 x 36.0 x 2.0 mma |
30 mm Cage System | Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threading |
| DFM2(/M) | Ø50 mm, 9.0 mm Max. Thickness |
Ø50 mm, 6.0 mm Max. Thickness |
Min: 50.8 x 72.0 x 2.0 mm Max: 50.8 x 72.0 x 3.0 mm |
60 mm Cage System | Internal SM2 (2.035"-40) Threading |
| # | Product Description | Qty. | Photo (Click to Enlarge) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DFM1 - Kinematic Fluorescence Filter Cube |
1 |  |
| 2 | Microscopy Filters | 1 Set |  |
| 3 | SM1B3 - Lens Tube Bellows | 1 |  |
| 4 | SM1ZM - Non-Rotating SM1 Zoom Housing |
1 |  |
| 5 | Focusing Lens Inside Zoom Housing |
1 |  |
| 6 | ST1XY-D - XY Translator with Differential Drives |
1 |  |
| 7 | Precision Pinhole Between XY Translator and Photodetector |
1 |  |
| 8 | Photodetector SM1-Compatible Photodetector |
1 |  |
DFM1 Filter Cubes - Optic Alignment in a Confocal Microscope Detection Module
The DFM1 is ideal for integrating filter sets into a custom microscopy setup. The following example of a partial confocal microscope uses a DFM1 Fluorescence Filter Cube (denoted by 1 in the image below) containing a Microscopy Filter Set (2) and an APD120A(/M) Photodetector (8). A lens (5) located inside the SM1ZM High-Precision Zoom Housing (4) focuses the beam onto a precision pinhole (7) located just before the avalanche photodetector's detector element. The SM1ZM zoom housing is mounted directly onto the ST1XY-D XY Translation Mount with Differential Adjusters (6), creating a compact XYZ mount. SM1 Lens Tubes and the SM1B3 Lens Tube Bellows (3) allow for a light-tight connection without inhibiting the free movement of the XYZ mount.
Components used in the configuration pictured below are listed in the table to the right. These parts, along with SM1 Lens Tubes and 1" Post Assemblies, are sold separately.
| Posted Comments: | |
lukas.hille
(posted 2018-06-25 14:25:22.08) Dear Thorlabs Team,
it would be nice, if the cube or an additional mount could hold 3mm thick dichroics. The quality of 3mm thick dichroics is supperior compared to 1 and 2mm.
I like this cube and its stability and flexibility.
best regards
Lukas YLohia
(posted 2018-06-25 09:37:44.0) Hello Lukas, the CM1-DCH allows for the mounting of dichroics up to 3mm thick. gregory.futia
(posted 2016-12-02 14:43:20.163) I designed a 3D printable storage box for the DFM1T1. The design files and STLs for printing are available on Thingverse.
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1923215 tfrisch
(posted 2016-12-05 01:19:05.0) Hello, thank you for your contribution on Thingiverse on behalf of our products. I hope our technical drawings were helpful in your application. dkleckner
(posted 2015-10-21 14:54:35.817) Could you please provide me with an estimated time-frame for the redesigned mount which would prevent overtightening? Will the new version share the same top half (so that it could be substituted later), or will both pieces be modified? besembeson
(posted 2015-10-26 10:08:28.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: We don't have a firm release date yet but are working on this. I will follow-up with you. kyleh
(posted 2015-09-23 10:53:43.4) I am not convinced the little rubber pieces not causing distortion. I put my optic in, tightened it slowly and alternated sides, and it seemed fine at first. I put it back in the magnetic holder, and after about 15 minutes just sitting in the magnetic holder, it snapped my dichroic!! My dichroic is spec'd at 1.1 mm thickness as it says should work. It seems that sitting in the magnetic holder caused the holding to shift somehow? This is ridiculous!
There has to be a better way to hold the dichroics in place for this holder without breaking my optics or bending them to cause aberrations as others have commented on. besembeson
(posted 2015-10-07 10:32:15.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for the feedback. We are actually redesigning this mount that will prevent any over-tightening during assembly. I will be in contact with you once we release this. richard.j.smith
(posted 2015-08-17 04:22:31.287) similar to comment below from dfogletree, i would like a left handed filter holder to fit in the standard holder, so i can switch between two configurations in my instrument. is this part available yet? besembeson
(posted 2015-09-25 09:43:22.0) Response from Bweh at thorlabs USA: This part is not available yet. For now, the only option, which of course doesn't have all the advantages of the DFM is to use an a C6W or C4W with a B4C or B3C and an FFM1 or B5C that provides the freedom to set output orientation. dfogletree
(posted 2014-12-11 15:27:37.42) We are using the turning mirror and dichroic kinematic cubes, these are very useful for directing light to different detectors. However at the moment, as far as I know, there are only "right handed" parts. Once the base in built into an optical system, I would like to be able to put either a right or left mirror/dichroic in the base. This would let me built more flexible systems. Or there could be a method to convert right to left by unscrewing the parts -- at the moment the chirality seems to be fixed. cdaly
(posted 2014-12-18 04:26:48.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. We will discuss internally the possibility of adding another insert which can help steer the beam in the other direction without having to remount the cube entirely. dkleckner
(posted 2014-05-16 11:44:09.79) I'm having a similar problem as n-lindquist and syim regarding optical aberrations. I tested the holder and found that even applying a small amount of tightening force causes significant distortion with such thin optics. Is there any quick fix for this problem? I'm considering removing the rubber pieces and attaching the filter with optical epoxy, but this would limit the usefulness of the filter holder. besembeson
(posted 2014-05-21 04:25:05.0) A response from Bweh at Thorlabs in USA: Thanks for your feedback. It could be that you over-tighten the screws. The dichroic mirror is clamped in place using a design that provides uniform pressure without causing deformation to the mirror, and is locked in place using two 4-40 screws locked by a 3/32" hex key. Only light force is required to mount the filter. We recommend screwing in both screws most of the way before final tightening with a balldriver. Let me know if this helps nkaplin1
(posted 2013-09-03 14:48:31.513) Can you clarify the size of the dichroic that this cube will accept. It is listed as holding 25.2x35.6mm and 25x36mm in two places on the product page.
Will it accept the standard Zeiss and Nikon 25.5x36mm size? pbui
(posted 2013-09-09 10:32:00.0) Response from Phong at Thorlabs: Thank you for your post. The DFM cube should accept the standard Zeiss and Nikon size of 25.5 x 36 mm. If you have any further questions please contact Techsupport@thorlabs.com syim
(posted 2013-05-14 21:45:07.743) I have tried DFM/M for a home-built confocal microscopy. But I found my focused laser beam having severe aberrations. I believe the two small rubbers for dichroic beamsplitter give too much stress, since my collimated Gaussian beam turns to elliptical beam horizontally after about 50 cm. I tried my dichroic beamsplitter as well as a standard beamsplitter of Thorlabs (BSW20). My Nikon filter cube has no such problem (as you may know, it has a metal spring, instead of rubbers). jlow
(posted 2013-05-14 11:56:00.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: It could be that the screws are being over-tightened. You just need to have the screws in finger-tight (just enough to hold the optic in place). Also, it would be good to screw in both screws a considerable amount before the final tightening. I will contact you to discuss about this further. n-lindquist
(posted 2013-05-04 13:45:03.383) I am using a 1.1 mm thick "laser flat" dichroic filter and noticed that some significant astigmatism is introduced when mounted in this DFMT1 cube vs your standard cage-cube dichroic filter holders. Could the DFMT1 bend the dichroic at all? jlow
(posted 2013-05-09 16:43:00.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The DFM shouldn't be bending your optic. I will contact you directly to look into this issue you are having. werley
(posted 2013-02-20 14:54:22.65) The magnetic filter cube is very convenient and we are hoping to use it in several home-built microscopes in the lab, but there are a couple issues. First, it would be great if the cube could accept slightly larger dichroics (26x38mm) that are standard in some Olympus filter cubes. This would facilitate interchange between different microscopes. We are hesitant to make the switch if we can't use any of the dichroics we already own.
Second, I don't like how the piece that unscrews from the DFMT1 to insert or remove the dichroic has a smaller clear aperture than standard for SM1. Could you not move the rubber cylinders so the press on the corners of the dichroic to fix it in place, and bore the holes out a bit further? Thanks. cdaly
(posted 2013-03-06 09:09:00.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our web feed back. The DFM had been designed with the intention of keeping the product as compact as possible for use with our dichroic filters for fluorescence. I agree that this interoperability would be quite useful. I will bring up your recommendations in our internal forums and make sure that this is known to our engineers for possible revision. tcohen
(posted 2012-12-06 16:26:00.0) Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback! The DFM is designed to accept our line of fluorescence dichroics and our standard dichroic mirrors. For larger filters, we offer a solution with the use of either the CM1-DCH or the C4W with a B3C and FFM1. These have recently been updated to reduce deformation of the filter. seamus.holden
(posted 2012-11-27 13:39:45.043) I would very much like to use thicker dichroics (2mm) with this design. Thicker dichroics are very important for TIRF applications.
Has there been any progress on this? - I see that this issue was last raised in March. bdada
(posted 2012-04-23 16:48:00.0) Response from Buki at Thorlabs:
Thank you for your feedback. We are discussing your request with our production team and will post an update soon. user
(posted 2012-04-19 14:52:21.0) Limiting the dichroic thickness to only 1 mm really limits what filters you can use. Can the design be modified to support thicker filters? |
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Click to Enlarge
The DFM1L Cube (Left Panel) and DFM1 Cube (Right Panel) used to direct a filtered beam to the left and right, respectively. Light from a MCWHL5 LED was directed via the MDF-TRITC Filter Set installed in each cube.
Click for Details
Drawing of DFM1. The SM1-threaded ports on the DFM1/M are at an optical axis height of 30 mm.
| DFM1(/M) & DFM1L(/M) Compatible Filters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dimensions | Thickness |
| Excitation | Ø25 mm | 5.0 mm |
| Emission | Ø25 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Dichroic | Min: 25.0 mm x 35.6 mm Max: 25.2 mm x 36.0 mm |
Min: 1.0 mm Max: 2.0 mma |
- Kinematic 30 mm Cage-Compatible Cubes for Mounting Fluorescence Filter Sets
- DFM1(/M): Right-Turning Orientation
- DFM1L(/M): Left-Turning Orientation
- Four 4-40 Tapped Holes Around Each SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Port Enable 30 mm Cage System Compatibility
- Three Bottom-Located 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes for Post Mounting
These Kinematic Fluorescence Filter Cubes each consist of a post-mountable cube base and a removable insert that mounts a fluorescence filter set (sold separately). The DFM1 holds a dichroic mirror in a right turning orientation, and the DFM1L in a left-turning orientation. Thus, using the DFM1 as opposed to the DFM1L results in a 180° difference in light output direction (see image to the right).
See the table to the right for acceptable optic sizes. To see how optics are installed in the filter cubes, please see the animation in the Overview tab above. Prior to mounting the rectangular dichroic mirror, please confirm that the optic is no greater than 2.0 mm thick. To mount dichroic mirrors thicker than 2.0 mm, we recommend using our Dichroic Cage Cube.
All four sides of the filter cube base have an SM1-threaded port for compatibility with our Ø1" lens tubes. The SM1 port is centered between four 4-40 tapped holes for compatibility with Ø6 mm cage rods in a 30 mm cage system, at an optical axis height of 1.25" or 30.0 mm from the bottom of the imperial or metric cube, respectively.
Empty kinematic filter cube inserts, base, and a cover plate are also sold separately below.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
In both panels, a MCWHL5 LED is attached to a DFM1B base. DFM1T1 insert with a MDF-GFP filter set (left) or a MDF-TRITC filter set (right) can be swapped to change between imaging different fluorescent samples.
| DFM1T1 & DFM1T3 Compatible Filters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dimensions | Thickness |
| Excitation | Ø25 mm | 5.0 mm |
| Emission | Ø25 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Dichroic | Min: 25.0 mm x 35.6 mm Max: 25.2 mm x 36.0 mm |
Min: 1.0 mm Max: 2.0 mma |
- Empty Kinematic Base and Inserts for Exchanging User-Provided Filters or Mirror
- Ideal for Quickly Switching Fluorescence Filter Sets or Angle of Reflection in an Aligned Experimental Setup
- Cube Base with Four 4-40 Tapped Holes Around Each SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Port
- Three Bottom-Located 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes for Post Mounting
- Cover Plate for Uninterrupted Beam Transmission Available
These Kinematic Fluorescence Filter Cube Inserts (DFM1T1 and DFM1T3) and Base [DFM1B(/M)] allow users to switch between different filter sets in an aligned experimental setup (see image to the right). These items do not include fluorescence filters or a dichroic mirror.
See the table to the right for acceptable optic sizes in the cube inserts. To see how optics are installed in the filter cubes, please see the animation in the Overview tab above. Prior to mounting the rectangular dichroic mirror, please confirm that the optic is no greater than 2.0 mm thick. To mount dichroic mirrors thicker than 2.0 mm, we recommend using our Dichroic Cage Cube.
The cube insert is designed to be inserted in a single orientation with respect to the cube base, so it is important to orient the full cube assembly in the proper direction. Cage cube inserts that hold the dichroic mirror in a right-turning (DFM1T1) or left-turning (DFM1T3) orientation are available.
All four sides of the DFM1B(/M) cube base have an SM1-threaded port for compatibility with our Ø1" lens tubes. The SM1 port is centered between four 4-40 tapped holes for compatibility with Ø6 mm cage rods in a 30 mm cage system, at an optical axis height of 1.25" or 30.0 mm from the bottom of the imperial or metric cube, respectively.
The DFM1C Cage Cube Cover Plate is also available for when a filter is not installed within the cube. When used with the SM1CP2 End Cap, this cover minimizes the amount of stray light entering through the top or unused ports.
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Click for Details
Drawing of DFM2(/M)
| DFM2(/M) Compatible Filters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dimensions | Thickness |
| Excitation | Ø50 mm | 9.0 mm |
| Emission | Ø50 mm | 6.0 mm |
| Dichroic | 50.8 mm x 72.0 mm | Min: 2.0 mm Max: 3.0 mm |
- Kinematic 60 mm Cage-Compatible Cubes for Mounting Fluorescence Filter Sets
- Four 4-40 Tapped Holes Around Each SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) Port Enable 60 mm Cage System Compatibility
- Three Bottom-Located 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes for Post Mounting
The Kinematic Fluorescence Filter Cube for 60 mm Cage Systems consists of a post-mountable cube base and a removable insert that mounts a fluorescence filter set (not included).
See the table to the right for acceptable optic sizes. To see how to install optics in the filter cubes, please see the animation in the Overview tab above. Prior to mounting the rectangular dichroic mirror, please confirm that the optic is no greater than 3.0 mm thick.
The cube insert is designed to be inserted in a single orientation with respect to the cube base, so it is important to orient the full cube assembly in the proper direction.
All four sides of the filter cube base have an SM2-threaded port for compatibility with our Ø2" lens tubes. The SM2 port is centered between four 4-40 tapped holes for compatibility with Ø6 mm cage rods in a 60 mm cage system, at an optical axis height of 1.75" or 45.0 mm in the imperial or metric versions, respectively.
An empty kinematic filter cube insert, base, and cover plate are also sold separately below.
Zoom
| DFM2T1 Compatible Filters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dimensions | Thickness |
| Excitation | Ø50 mm | 9.0 mm |
| Emission | Ø50 mm | 6.0 mm |
| Dichroic | 50.8 mm x 72.0 mm | Min: 2.0 mm Max: 3.0 mm |
- Empty Kinematic Base and Insert for Exchanging User-Provided Filters or Mirror
- Ideal for Quickly Switching Fluorescence Filter Sets or Angle of Reflection in an Aligned Experimental Setup
- Cube Base with Four 4-40 Tapped Holes Around Each SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) Port
- Three Bottom-Located 1/4"-20 (M6) Tapped Holes for Post Mounting
- Cover Plate for Uninterrupted Beam Transmission Available
The Kinematic Fluorescence Filter Cube Insert (DFM2T1) and Base [DFM2B(/M)] are ideal for customers who wish to mount their own filter sets. Different filter sets can be loaded into the inserts, allowing for easy exchange of filter sets within an experimental setup (see image to the right). These items do not include fluorescence filters or a dichroic mirror.
See the table to the right for acceptable optic sizes. To see how to install optics in the cube, please see the animation in the Overview tab above. Prior to mounting the rectangular dichroic mirror, please confirm that the optic is no greater than 3.0 mm thick.
The cube insert is designed to be inserted in a single orientation with respect to the cube base, so it is important to orient the full cube assembly in the proper direction.
All four sides of the DFM2B(/M) cube base have an SM2-threaded port for compatibility with our Ø2" lens tubes. The SM2 port is centered between four 4-40 tapped holes for compatibility with Ø6 mm cage rods in a 60 mm cage system, at an optical axis height of 1.75" or 45.0 mm from the bottom of the imperial or metric cube, respectively.
The DFM2C Cage Cube Cover Plate is also available for when a filter is not installed within the cube. When used with the SM2CP2 End Cap, this cover minimizes the amount of stray light entering through the top or unused ports.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Two DFM1-P01 Beam Turning Cubes Connected Using the C4W-CC Cage Cube Connector
- Connect Two Beam Turning or Fluorescence Filter Cubes Side by Side
- Remove and Interchange Cube Inserts while the Cube Bases are Connected
- Screws Included for Attaching Cage Cubes
- C4W-CC is Also Compatible with C4W and C6W Cage Cubes
Cage Cube Connectors allow two kinematic beam turning or fluorescence filter cubes to be connected together, as shown in the image to the right. The connector is attached to the cage cubes using the included 4-40 screws in the cage rod holes. Two pins on each cage cube connector are accepted by drilled holes on either side of any of the SM-threaded ports on the cage cube faces to maintain alignment. Fluorescence filter and beam turning cube inserts can still be removed and inserted while the cube bases are connected.
The C4W-CC is also compatible with our 30 mm cage cubes.
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