Cylindrical Lens Mounts


  • Mount Cylindrical Lenses or Other Rectangular Optics
  • Variable-Height Clamps with Rubber Pads
  • Fixed, Kinematic, and Cage-Compatible Designs Offered

KM100C

Kinematic Mount
Max Optic Height: 1.30" (33.0 mm)

(Post Not Included)

CH2B

Fixed Mount
Max Optic Height:
2.60" (66.0 mm)

CYCPA

30 mm Cage Compatible
Max Optic Height:
0.66" (16.8 mm)

CYLCP

60 mm Cage Compatible
Max Optic Height:
1.84" (46.8 mm)

Related Items


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Thorlabs' Cylindrical Lens Mounts are offered in three varieties: fixed, kinematic, and cage compatible (both 30 mm cage systems and 60 mm cage systems are supported). These mounts secure cylindrical lenses or other rectangular optics using sliding, lockable arms; each arm is lined with a rubber pad and has a lip for resting the plano side of the lens against. This design leaves the optical axis clear.

All mounts on this page are post mountable. The fixed and kinematic versions contain a #8 (M4) counterbore that provides both imperial and metric compatibility, while the cage-compatible versions offer an 8-32 or an M4 tapped hole.


Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2017-12-05 13:16:50.89)
I'm seconding smee's suggestion for a CH1AL
tfrisch  (posted 2017-12-06 09:38:46.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I've posted your need in our internal engineering forum. If you'd like to discuss the spatial constraints of your application in greater detail, please reach out to us at TechSupport@Thorlabs.com, and we may be able to offer a solution.
smee  (posted 2016-02-15 12:04:46.28)
Here's a wish for a customer inspired part for the future: CH1AL = a Left Handed version of the CH1A (similiar as the KM100CL is to the KM100C).
besembeson  (posted 2016-03-03 12:40:06.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for your feedback. I will contact you regarding your application and we will review this.
tcohen  (posted 2012-08-16 14:55:00.0)
Response from Tim at Thorlabs to Luke: Thank you for your feedback! I agree this would be a useful addition to our product line. I will share your idea with our design engineers as a new customer inspired product. For immediate needs, we do have a selection of round cylindrical lenses at http://www.thorlabs.com/Navigation.cfm?Guide_ID=14. The 1” diameter housing would make it compatible with our cage rotation mounts at http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=1885.
lg  (posted 2012-08-15 20:49:22.0)
A cylindrical lens holder that works with SM1 and SM2 cage systems. Would need to be rotatable to do x or y orientation. Thanks, Luke Gers
jjurado  (posted 2011-02-02 15:52:00.0)
Response from Javier at Thorlabs to last poster: Thank you very much for your feedback. The CH1A and CH2B mounts are designed such that concave and convex cylindrical lenses can both be used in any orientation. The handedness and location of the mount are then basically determined the experimental setup. We will be uploading new photos within the next week which will demstrate this a bit clearer.
user  (posted 2011-01-25 15:40:40.0)
Images of CH1A and CH2B on the top and the bottom of the website disagree in terms of orientation of the lens. Either the image should be changed to reflect this (no pun intended) or another product with a the other handedness should be offered.
apalmentieri  (posted 2009-12-15 16:26:10.0)
A response from Adam at Thorlabs: As of right now, we do not offer this product as a standard item. Please note our mechanics department is looking to add this to our product line in the near future. For now, we can only offer this as a custom item. I will contact you directly to see if you are interested in a quote for this special.
ruelas  (posted 2009-12-15 15:55:14.0)
It is often necessary to switch from a left handed holder to a right handed holder for compact systems. Is this possible with the KM100C (as it is with the KM100 mirror holder)?
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Fixed Cylindrical Lens Mounts

Post Mounted Cylindrical Lens
Click to Enlarge

Cylindrical Lens Held with a CH1A Mount
  • Two Rubber-Lined Arms Mount a Cylindrical Lens or Another Rectangular Optic
  • Two Versions
    • CH1A: Optic Height Range of 0" to 1.60" (0 mm to 40.6 mm)
    • CH2B: Optic Height Range of 0" to 2.60" (0 mm to 66.0 mm)
  • #8 (M4) Counterbore for Post Mounting

Our CH1A and CH2B Fixed Cylindrical Lens Mounts are used to hold cylindrical lenses and other rectangular optics horizontally or vertically. Each mount consists of two arms that are connected by two ER cage rods. The top arm slides along the cage rods and is locked by tightening two 4-40 setscrews compatible with a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key, while the bottom arm is stationary and contains a #8 (M4) counterbore for compatibility with Ø1/2" posts. Each arm is lined with a 0.79" (20.0 mm) long rubber pad to protect the clamped optic.

The cage rods included with the CH1A and CH2B cylindrical lens mounts allow them to support optics as tall as 1.60" (40.6 mm) or 2.60" (66.0 mm), respectively. If support for taller optics is needed, the user may replace the included cage rods with longer ones or attach additional cage rods to the existing ones.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CH1A Support Documentation
CH1AFixed Cylindrical Lens Mount, Max Optic Height: 1.60" (40.6 mm)
$71.88
Today
CH2B Support Documentation
CH2BFixed Cylindrical Lens Mount, Max Optic Height: 2.60" (66.0 mm)
$77.53
Today
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Kinematic Cylindrical Lens Mount

KM100C with Tall Cylindrical Lens
Click to Enlarge

To accommodate a 50.8 mm tall cylindrical lens, ER1.5 Cage Rods
have been threaded onto those provided with the KM100C.
  • Two Rubber-Lined Arms Mount a Cylindrical Lens or Another Rectangular Optic
  • ±4° of Tip and Tilt Control is Provided by 1/4"-80 Kinematic Adjusters
  • Optic Height Range of 0" to 1.30" (0 mm to 33.0 mm)
  • #8 (M4) Counterbore for Post Mounting
  • Right- and Left-Handed Versions Available

The KM100C(L) Kinematic Cylindrical Lens Mount contains two 1/4"-80 adjusters that provide a ±4° range for tip and tilt adjustments. A cylindrical lens or another rectangular optic is clamped between two arms that are connected by two cage rods (Item # ER1.5). The top arm slides along the cage rods and is locked by tightening two 4-40 setscrews compatible with a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key, while the bottom arm is stationary. Each arm is lined with a 0.79" (20.0 mm) long rubber pad to protect the clamped optic.

This mount is offered in right- and left-handed versions; a #8 (M4) counterbore in the back plate provides compatibility with Ø1/2" posts. The cage rods included with the kinematic cylindrical lens mounts support optics as tall as 1.30" (33.0 mm). If support for taller optics is needed, the user may attach additional cage rods to the existing ones, as shown in the photo to the right.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KM100C Support Documentation
KM100CKinematic Mount for up to 1.3" (33 mm) Tall Rectangular Optics, Right Handed
$112.57
Today
KM100CL Support Documentation
KM100CLKinematic Mount for up to 1.3" (33 mm) Tall Rectangular Optics, Left Handed
$112.57
Today
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Cylindrical Lens Mounts for 30 mm and 60 mm Cage Systems

Key Specifications
Item # CYCPA(/M) CYLCP(/M)
Optic Height Range 0.16" to 0.66"
(4.0 mm to 16.8 mm)
0.16" to 1.84"
(4.0 mm to 46.8 mm)
Cage System
Compatibility
30 mm 60 mm
Length Spanned by
Engraved Tick Marksa
20 mm 50 mm
Threading Internal SM1
(1.035"-40)
Internal SM2
(2.035"-40)
Post Mounting One 8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole
  • Major Ticks Occur Every 5 mm; Minor Ticks Occur Every 1 mm
  • Two Rubber-Lined Arms Mount a Cylindrical Lens or Another Rectangular Optic
  • Compatible with 30 mm or 60 mm Cage Systems
    • 30 mm Version: Optic Height Range of 0.16" to 0.66" (4.0 mm to 16.8 mm)
    • 60 mm Version: Optic Height Range of 0.16" to 1.84" (4.0 mm to 46.8 mm)
  • Graduations at 1 mm Intervals Help with Centration and Repeatability
  • Internal SM Threads for Ø1" or Ø2" Lens Tubes
  • 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) Tapped Hole for Post Mounting
KM100C with Tall Cylindrical Lens
Click to Enlarge

Engraved Tick Marks Help Center the Mounted Lens

Our CYCPA(/M) and CYLCP(/M) Cylindrical Lens Mounts for Cage Systems are designed to hold a cylindrical lens or another rectangular optic horizontally or vertically within a 30 mm (Item # prefix CYC) or a 60 mm (Item # prefix CYL) cage system. The lens is clamped between two arms that are connected by two cage rods (Item # ER2 for the 30 mm cage version or Item # ER3 for the 60 mm cage version).

The arms slide along the cage rods and are locked by tightening two M4 (Item #s CYCPA and CYCPA/M) or two 4-40 (Item #s CYLCP and CYLCP/M) setscrews, which are compatible with 5/64" (2.0 mm) or 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex keys, respectively. Each arm is lined with a rubber pad to protect the clamped optic. On the CYCPA(/M), these pads are 1.51" (38.3 mm) long, while on the CYLCP(/M), these pads are 2.70" (68.6 mm) long. The cage plate is tightened to the cage rods by two additional M4 (Item #s CYCPA and CYCPA/M) or 4-40 (Item #s CYLCP and CYLCP/M) setscrews, and the cage plate and arms can be moved and locked independently.

The mounts contain an 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) tapped hole for compatibility with Ø1/2" posts. The cage rods included with the CYCPA(/M) and CYLCP(/M) cylindrical lens mounts allow them to support optics as tall as 0.66" (16.8 mm) or 1.84" (46.8 mm), respectively. If support for taller optics is needed, the user may replace the included cage rods with longer ones or attach additional cage rods to the existing ones, but an attached post can mechanically clash with the bottom arm if the arm has been moved down too far, and the mount cannot be used within a cage system if the arms or the optic overlap with the through holes.

Both sides of the cage plates are engraved with tick marks. Major ticks occur every 5 mm and minor ticks occur every 1 mm. On the CYCPA(/M), the tick marks span a total length of 20 mm, while on the CYLCP(/M), the tick marks span a total length of 50 mm. A major tick is placed at the center line of the plate to help center the mounted optic. It is easiest to center the cylindrical lens when the cylindrical axis is parallel to the arms, as shown in the photo to the right.

The CYCPA(/M) cage plate has a central bore that is SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded and compatible with our Ø1" lens tubes, while the CYLCP(/M) has a central bore with SM2 (2.035"-40) threading and is compatible with our Ø2" lens tubes. For more information on these mounts' cage compatibility, including an application idea for mounting a cylindrical lens with the ability to rotate within a cage system, please see our full web presentations for the CYCPA and CYLCP mounts.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
CYCPA Support Documentation
CYCPA30 mm Cage Mount for Cylindrical Lenses, 8-32 Tap
$101.75
Today
CYLCP Support Documentation
CYLCP60 mm Cage Mount for Cylindrical Lenses, 8-32 Tap
$118.20
Lead Time
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
CYCPA/M Support Documentation
CYCPA/M30 mm Cage Mount for Cylindrical Lenses, M4 Tap
$101.75
Today
CYLCP/M Support Documentation
CYLCP/M60 mm Cage Mount for Cylindrical Lenses, M4 Tap
$118.20
Today