Optical Shutter

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• Default Position: Closed
• Close Activation Time: 4.08 ms
• Passive Closure Mechanism Ideal for Laser Safety Applications
• SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Aperture for SM05 Lens Tube Compatibility
• One 8-32 (M4) Tap on Four Sides for Ø1/2" Post Mounting
• Includes 10-Foot-Long Cable for Connection to Controller (Additional Cables Available Below)
• Controller Not Included (Sold Below)

The SH05 Optical Beam Shutter utilizes a rotary, electro-mechanical actuator to provide millisecond shutter operation. During operation, the shutter remains in a closed position and then opens when a pulse control signal is applied. As long as the control voltage to the optical shutter remains high, the shutter stays open, but as soon as the voltage goes low, the shutter closes, providing inherent "fail-safe" operation. The frequency at which the device is opened and closed can be controlled. An optical sensor, which detects the shutter blade position in the housing, provides information that confirms the state of the optical shutter position. This makes it ideal in applications where a laser safety lockout is required.

In order to ensure that your optical beam shutter has a long lifetime, the aperture should not be located near the focus of a laser beam. Please note that the solenoid's performance is not guaranteed if the case temperature exceeds 50 °C. Significant heat buildup will occur if the aperture is closed for a long time while a high-power laser is incident on the shutter.

Both sides of the aperture of the SH05(/M) are internally SM05 (0.535"-40) threaded to easily interface with all of our SM05 lens tubes. For post mounting, the SH05 has three 8-32 tapped holes, while the SH05/M has three M4 tapped holes. 

This shutter features a single blade that slides across the aperture. Additionally, Thorlabs offers a Ø1/2" diaphragm shutter and controller, which has five stainless steel blades that open from the center.

Controller Options

Thorlabs offers two compatible controllers for the SH05: the SC10 and KSC101. Both include an "interlock mode" that is incorporated into the controller's logic; a physical key lock; and manual, triggered, or softare controlled operation modes. The SC10 is a benchtop controller with an RS-232 computer connection that allows the controller to be operated using the included standalone software GUI. The KSC101 is a compact K-Cube controller with a USB 3.0 (2.0 Compliant) computer connection that allows the controller to be controlled using Thorlabs' Kinesis^® or legacy APT™ software packages. See the Specs tab for a comparison table of the two controller options.

A 10-foot-long cable with 6-way HRS connector is included for connecting the shutter to either the SC10 or KSC101 Shutter Controller. The SH1 can also be used with a third-party controller. For information on the control requirements, please see the Specs tab.

Interface Connector

HR10-7R-6S

Laser Safety and Classification

Safe practices and proper usage of safety equipment should be taken into consideration when operating lasers. The eye is susceptible to injury, even from very low levels of laser light. Thorlabs offers a range of laser safety accessories that can be used to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Laser emission in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges has the greatest potential for retinal injury, as the cornea and lens are transparent to those wavelengths, and the lens can focus the laser energy onto the retina. 

Safe Practices and Light Safety Accessories

• Thorlabs recommends the use of safety eyewear whenever working with laser beams with non-negligible powers (i.e., > Class 1) since metallic tools such as screwdrivers can accidentally redirect a beam.
• Laser goggles designed for specific wavelengths should be clearly available near laser setups to protect the wearer from unintentional laser reflections.
• Goggles are marked with the wavelength range over which protection is afforded and the minimum optical density within that range.
• Blackout Materials can prevent direct or reflected light from leaving the experimental setup area.
• Thorlabs' Enclosure Systems can be used to contain optical setups to isolate or minimize laser hazards.
• A fiber-pigtailed laser should always be turned off before connecting it to or disconnecting it from another fiber, especially when the laser is at power levels above 10 mW.
• All beams should be terminated at the edge of the table, and laboratory doors should be closed whenever a laser is in use.
• Do not place laser beams at eye level.
• Carry out experiments on an optical table such that all laser beams travel horizontally.
• Remove unnecessary reflective items such as reflective jewelry (e.g., rings, watches, etc.) while working near the beam path.
• Be aware that lenses and other optical devices may reflect a portion of the incident beam from the front or rear surface.
• Operate a laser at the minimum power necessary for any operation.
• If possible, reduce the output power of a laser during alignment procedures.
• Use beam shutters and filters to reduce the beam power.
• Post appropriate warning signs or labels near laser setups or rooms.
• Use a laser sign with a lightbox if operating Class 3R or 4 lasers (i.e., lasers requiring the use of a safety interlock).
• Do not use Laser Viewing Cards in place of a proper Beam Trap.

Laser Classification

Lasers are categorized into different classes according to their ability to cause eye and other damage. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The IEC document 60825-1 outlines the safety of laser products. A description of each class of laser is given below:

Class	Description	Warning Label
1	This class of laser is safe under all conditions of normal use, including use with optical instruments for intrabeam viewing. Lasers in this class do not emit radiation at levels that may cause injury during normal operation, and therefore the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. Class 1 lasers can also include enclosed, high-power lasers where exposure to the radiation is not possible without opening or shutting down the laser.
1M	Class 1M lasers are safe except when used in conjunction with optical components such as telescopes and microscopes. Lasers belonging to this class emit large-diameter or divergent beams, and the MPE cannot normally be exceeded unless focusing or imaging optics are used to narrow the beam. However, if the beam is refocused, the hazard may be increased and the class may be changed accordingly.
2	Class 2 lasers, which are limited to 1 mW of visible continuous-wave radiation, are safe because the blink reflex will limit the exposure in the eye to 0.25 seconds. This category only applies to visible radiation (400 - 700 nm).
2M	Because of the blink reflex, this class of laser is classified as safe as long as the beam is not viewed through optical instruments. This laser class also applies to larger-diameter or diverging laser beams.
3R	Lasers in this class are considered safe as long as they are handled with restricted beam viewing. The MPE can be exceeded with this class of laser, however, this presents a low risk level to injury. Visible, continuous-wave lasers are limited to 5 mW of output power in this class.
3B	Class 3B lasers are hazardous to the eye if exposed directly. However, diffuse reflections are not harmful. Safe handling of devices in this class includes wearing protective eyewear where direct viewing of the laser beam may occur. In addition, laser safety signs lightboxes should be used with lasers that require a safety interlock so that the laser cannot be used without the safety light turning on. Class-3B lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
4	This class of laser may cause damage to the skin, and also to the eye, even from the viewing of diffuse reflections. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces. Great care must be taken when handling these lasers. They also represent a fire risk, because they may ignite combustible material. Class 4 lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
All class 2 lasers (and higher) must display, in addition to the corresponding sign above, this triangular warning sign

Click to Enlarge
SH05(/M) Packaging

Smart Pack

• Reduce Weight of Packaging Materials
• Increase Usage of Recyclable Packing Materials
• Improve Packing Integrity
• Decrease Shipping Costs

Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at waste minimization while still maintaining adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing packaging design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging materials for our customers when possible, this initiative seeks to improve the environmental impact of our product packaging. Products listed above are now shipped in re-engineered packaging that minimizes the weight and the use of non-recyclable materials.^b As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered packages with our Smart Pack logo.

• Travel-based emissions reduction calculations are estimated based on the total weight reduction of packaging materials used for all of 2013’s product sales, traveling 1,000 miles on an airplane, to provide general understanding of the impact of packaging material reduction. Calculations were made using the EPA’s shipping emissions values for different modes of transport.
• Some Smart Pack products may show a negative weight reduction percentage as the substitution of greener packaging materials, such as the Greenwrap, at times slightly increases the weight of the product packaging.

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Shutter Selection Guide
Diaphragm	Single-Blade
Ø1/4", Ø1/2", and Ø1" Motorized	Ø0.29" Manual
	Ø1/2" and Ø1" Motorized

Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
Imperial Product List
SH1	1	Optical Beam Shutter with 10' Long Cable, Ø1" Aperture, Imperial
ER8-P4	1	Cage Assembly Rod, 8" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
CP02	1	SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, 8-32 Tap
TR6	1	Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 6"
SM1L30	1	SM1 Lens Tube, 3.00" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
Add To CartExportForward

View Metric Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
Metric Product List
SH1/M	1	Optical Beam Shutter with 10' Long Cable, Ø1" Aperture, Metric
ER8-P4	1	Cage Assembly Rod, 8" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
CP02/M	1	SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, M4 Tap
TR100/M	1	Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 100 mm
SM1L30	1	SM1 Lens Tube, 3.00" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
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The SH1 is compatible with SM1 Lens Tubes and 30 mm Cage Systems.

• Default Position: Closed
• Close Activation Time: <10 ms
• Ideal for Laser Safety Applications
• SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Aperture for SM1 Lens Tube Compatibility
• One 8-32 (M4) Tap on Four Sides for Ø1/2" Post Mounting
• Four 4-40 Taps Around Aperture on Both Sides for 30 mm Cage System Compatibility
• Includes 10-Foot-Long Cable for Connection to Controller (Additional Cables Available Below)
• Controller Not Included (Sold Below)

The SH1 Optical Beam Shutter utilizes a rotary, electro-mechanical actuator to provide millisecond shutter operation. During operation, the optical shutter remains in a closed position and then opens when a pulse control signal is applied. As long as the control voltage to the shutter remains high, the shutter stays open, but as soon as the voltage goes low, the optical shutter closes, providing inherent "fail-safe" operation. The rate at which the shutter opens can be controlled. An optical sensor, which detects the shutter blade position in the housing, provides information that confirms the state of the shutter position. This makes it ideal in applications where a laser safety lockout is required.

In order to ensure long lifetime of your optical beam shutter, the aperture should not be located near the focus of a laser beam. Please note that the solenoid's performance is not guaranteed if the case temperature exceeds 50 °C. Significant heat buildup will occur if the aperture is closed for a long time while a high-power laser is incident on the shutter.

Both sides of the aperture of the SH1 are internally SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded to easily interface with all of our SM1 lens tubes. In addition, the aperture is surrounded by four, 4-40 holes on both sides for compatibility with our 30 mm cage system. For Ø1/2" post mounting, the SH1 has four 8-32 tapped holes. The SH1/M features M4 tapped holes for compatibility with metric Ø1/2" posts.

This shutter features a single blade that slides across the aperture. Additionally, Thorlabs offers a Ø1" diaphragm shutter and controller, which has five stainless steel blades that open from the center.

Controller Options

Thorlabs offers two compatible controllers for the SH1: the SC10 and KSC101. Both include an "interlock mode" that is incorporated into the controller's logic; a physical key lock; and manual, triggered, or softare controlled operation modes. The SC10 is a benchtop controller with an RS-232 computer connection that allows the controller to be operated using the included standalone software GUI. The KSC101 is a compact K-Cube controller with a USB 3.0 (2.0 Compliant) computer connection that allows the controller to be controlled using Thorlabs' Kinesis^® or legacy APT™ software packages. See the Specs tab for a comparison table of the two controller options.

A 10-foot-long cable with 6-way HRS connector is included for connecting the shutter to either the SC10 or KSC101 Shutter Controller. The SH1 can also be used with a third-party controller. For information on the control requirements, please see the Specs tab.

Interface Connector

HR10-7R-6S

Laser Safety and Classification

Safe practices and proper usage of safety equipment should be taken into consideration when operating lasers. The eye is susceptible to injury, even from very low levels of laser light. Thorlabs offers a range of laser safety accessories that can be used to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Laser emission in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges has the greatest potential for retinal injury, as the cornea and lens are transparent to those wavelengths, and the lens can focus the laser energy onto the retina. 

Safe Practices and Light Safety Accessories

• Thorlabs recommends the use of safety eyewear whenever working with laser beams with non-negligible powers (i.e., > Class 1) since metallic tools such as screwdrivers can accidentally redirect a beam.
• Laser goggles designed for specific wavelengths should be clearly available near laser setups to protect the wearer from unintentional laser reflections.
• Goggles are marked with the wavelength range over which protection is afforded and the minimum optical density within that range.
• Blackout Materials can prevent direct or reflected light from leaving the experimental setup area.
• Thorlabs' Enclosure Systems can be used to contain optical setups to isolate or minimize laser hazards.
• A fiber-pigtailed laser should always be turned off before connecting it to or disconnecting it from another fiber, especially when the laser is at power levels above 10 mW.
• All beams should be terminated at the edge of the table, and laboratory doors should be closed whenever a laser is in use.
• Do not place laser beams at eye level.
• Carry out experiments on an optical table such that all laser beams travel horizontally.
• Remove unnecessary reflective items such as reflective jewelry (e.g., rings, watches, etc.) while working near the beam path.
• Be aware that lenses and other optical devices may reflect a portion of the incident beam from the front or rear surface.
• Operate a laser at the minimum power necessary for any operation.
• If possible, reduce the output power of a laser during alignment procedures.
• Use beam shutters and filters to reduce the beam power.
• Post appropriate warning signs or labels near laser setups or rooms.
• Use a laser sign with a lightbox if operating Class 3R or 4 lasers (i.e., lasers requiring the use of a safety interlock).
• Do not use Laser Viewing Cards in place of a proper Beam Trap.

Laser Classification

Lasers are categorized into different classes according to their ability to cause eye and other damage. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The IEC document 60825-1 outlines the safety of laser products. A description of each class of laser is given below:

Class	Description	Warning Label
1	This class of laser is safe under all conditions of normal use, including use with optical instruments for intrabeam viewing. Lasers in this class do not emit radiation at levels that may cause injury during normal operation, and therefore the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. Class 1 lasers can also include enclosed, high-power lasers where exposure to the radiation is not possible without opening or shutting down the laser.
1M	Class 1M lasers are safe except when used in conjunction with optical components such as telescopes and microscopes. Lasers belonging to this class emit large-diameter or divergent beams, and the MPE cannot normally be exceeded unless focusing or imaging optics are used to narrow the beam. However, if the beam is refocused, the hazard may be increased and the class may be changed accordingly.
2	Class 2 lasers, which are limited to 1 mW of visible continuous-wave radiation, are safe because the blink reflex will limit the exposure in the eye to 0.25 seconds. This category only applies to visible radiation (400 - 700 nm).
2M	Because of the blink reflex, this class of laser is classified as safe as long as the beam is not viewed through optical instruments. This laser class also applies to larger-diameter or diverging laser beams.
3R	Lasers in this class are considered safe as long as they are handled with restricted beam viewing. The MPE can be exceeded with this class of laser, however, this presents a low risk level to injury. Visible, continuous-wave lasers are limited to 5 mW of output power in this class.
3B	Class 3B lasers are hazardous to the eye if exposed directly. However, diffuse reflections are not harmful. Safe handling of devices in this class includes wearing protective eyewear where direct viewing of the laser beam may occur. In addition, laser safety signs lightboxes should be used with lasers that require a safety interlock so that the laser cannot be used without the safety light turning on. Class-3B lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
4	This class of laser may cause damage to the skin, and also to the eye, even from the viewing of diffuse reflections. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces. Great care must be taken when handling these lasers. They also represent a fire risk, because they may ignite combustible material. Class 4 lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
All class 2 lasers (and higher) must display, in addition to the corresponding sign above, this triangular warning sign

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• Local Operation or Remote Control via LabVIEW, LabWindows, RS-232, or BNC
• Programmable with Repeating Open/Close Sequences at Millisecond Intervals
• LCD Front Panel with Dedicated Shutter Status Indicators
• Safety Alarm When Coupled with SH05 and SH1 Beam Shutter
• Key Switch Provides Additional Safety

Thorlabs' SC10 Shutter Controller provides an easy-to-use control interface for our SH05 and SH1 Beam Shutters. The shutter can be controlled by hand using the buttons on the front of the unit, and the back includes a BNC input for external triggering, a BNC output for synchronization with other equipment, and an RS-232 port for remote computer control. Dedicated lights on the front panel reveal if the shutter is enabled and if the shutter is open. It also features a keyswitch that enables opening of the shutter, helping to comply with lab laser safety requirements. In addition, it incorporates a safety interlock that overrides all system commands and closes the shutter. If the interlock is tripped, the keyswitch must be cycled to resume operations.

The easy-to-read LCD front panel provides access to the same commands as the included LabVIEW and LabWindows software packages. In addition to simply opening or closing the shutter, a repeating sequence of open and close events with exposure times as low as 10 ms can be set up and initiated either by a front panel button, a TTL pulse (+5 V), or a computer command via RS-232. Alternatively, the shutter can be synchronized to follow the rising and falling edges of an external voltage supplied over BNC.

The shutter controller includes LabVIEW VI's suitable for integrating into existing LabVIEW applications. A standalone executable written in LabWindows/CVI is also provided, allowing remote computer control of the SC10 without any additional programming. See the Software tab to download these packages.

The shutter controller's BNC output allows it to double as a standalone digital delay generator with 1 ms resolution and 0.1 ms accuracy.

In October 2012, the firmware of the SC10 was updated to address compatibility issues with our SH1 Shutter. For units purchased prior to that date, a free firmware update is available; please see the Software tab for details.

Software for the SC10 Shutter Controller

Software

Version 1.2.1 (December 5, 2017)

Standard full software application packages and graphical user interfaces.

OR

Firmware Update

Version 1.07 (July 25, 2013)

The firmware of the SC10 has been updated to address compatibility issues with our SH1 Shutter. For units purchased prior to October 2012, a firmware update is available to ensure compatibility with both SH1 and SH05 shutters. The ability to query the status of the interlock on the device has been added. The latest update also addresses software communication bugs present in the former version.

The SC10 features a serial port for connection to a PC. In order to install the firmware update, a computer with a serial port is required. Alternately, a USB to serial adapter can be used.

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Click to Enlarge
Back and Top Views of the KSC101 K-Cube
(See the Pin Diagrams Tab for More Information)

Click to Enlarge

View Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
Universal Product List
KCH301	1	USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
KAP101	1	Adapter Plate for KCH Series Hubs and 60 mm Wide T-Cubes
TSG001	1	T-Cube Strain Gauge Reader (Power Supply Not Included)
KPZ101	1	K-Cube Piezo Controller (Power Supply Sold Separately)
KSC101	1	K-Cube Solenoid Controller (Power Supply Not Included)
Add To CartExportForward

KCH301 USB Controller Hub (Sold Separately) with Installed K-Cube and T-Cube Modules (T-Cubes Require the KAP101 Adapter)

• Local Operation or Remote Control via USB or SMA
• Full Kinesis^® or APT™ Software Control Suite (See Motion Control Software Tab for Details)
• Programmable with Repeating Open/Close Sequences at Millisecond Intervals
• Manual Controls and Digital Display Allow for Mode Selection and On/Off Time Control
• Laser Safety Interlock Jack and Safety Enable Key Switch
• Single-Channel Power Supply Unit Sold Separately
• Multi-Unit Operation Using USB Controller Hubs (Sold Separately)

Thorlabs' KSC101 K-Cube Shutter Controller is a compact, 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm controller that is designed for use with our SH05 and SH1 Beam Shutters. The controller features an embedded digital signal processor (DSP) to provide a multitude of flexible operating modes; see the Specs tab for details. Embedded software functionality allows this unit to control solenoid devices using the on-unit menu button, display, and control wheel; using DSP timed operations; or using external trigger signals for operation with third-party equipment. The trigger out connection, defaulted on Trigger 2, allows multiple K-Cube controllers to be connected together for synchronized multi-channel system operation.

The KSC101 is also equipped with built-in safety interlock functionality in the form of a 3.5 mm stereo jack. A shorted connector is included for overriding this connection, while a custom circuit may be created for lab safety applications using the included 3.5 mm stereo connector. The circuit must be closed for the controller to be able to open the shutter. To comply with laser safety requirements, the controller also features a key switch that enables or disables opening of the shutter.

The easy-to-read digital display provides access to the same commands as the included Kinesis^® software package. In addition to simply opening or closing the shutter, a repeating sequence of open and close events with exposure times as low as 15 ms can be set up and initiated either by the top panel controls, a TTL pulse (+5 V), or a computer command via USB 3.0.

USB connectivity provides easy 'Plug-and-Play' PC-controlled operation with two available software platforms: our new Kinesis software package or our legacy APT (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. The Kinesis Software features new .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Our legacy APT software allows the user to quickly set up complex move sequences with advanced controls made possible via the ActiveX® programming environment. For example, all relevant operating parameters are set automatically by the software for Thorlabs stage and actuator products. For more details on both software packages, please see the Motion Control Software and APT Tutorials tabs. For convenience, a 1.5 m long Type A to Type Micro B USB 3.0 cable is included with the KSC101 cube.

Optical Table Mounting Plate
Each unit comes with a plastic mounting plate that clips onto the base of the controller. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for a more permanent placement on the tabletop. Please see the Specs for a mechanical drawing of the table mounting plate and the Mounting Options tab for more information about the mounting plate.

Power Supply Options
The preferred power supply (single channel or hub-based) depends on the end user's application and whether you already own compatible power supplies. To that end and in keeping with Thorlabs' green initiative, we do not ship these units bundled with a power supply.

Multiple units can be connected to a single PC by using the KCH301 or KCH601 USB Controller Hubs, available below, for multi-axis motion control applications. The KCH301, shown in the image above, allows up to three T- or K-Cube controllers to be used while the KCH601 allows up to six controllers to be used.

All power supply options compatible with the KSC101 Motor Controller can be found below.

K-Cube vs. T-Cube Feature Comparison
Feature	KSC101 K-Cube	TSC001 T-Cube
Kinesis Software Compatibility
APT Software Compatibility
Kinesis USB Controller Hubs Compatibility		Requires KAP101 Adapter
TCH002 T-Cube USB Controller Hubs Compatibility	N/A
Power Switch		N/A
SMA Trigger Portsa
Computer Connectionb	USB 3.0 Micro B (USB 2.0 Compliant)	USB 2.0 Micro B (USB 2.0 Compliant)
Included Mounting Plate
Size (L x W x H)	60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.36" x 2.36" x 1.94")	60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.36" x 2.36" x 1.94")
On-Unit Digital Display Menu		N/A
Set Operating Modes		Mode Select and Enable Buttons
Set On Time		Only via Software
Set Off Time		Only via Software
Cycle Count		Only via Software
Screen Brightness		N/A
Stage Select		Only via Software

• The Trig 1 and Trig 2 ports on the KSC101 are bidirectional and are defaulted as trigger in and trigger out, respectively. The TSC001 controller's trigger ports are not bidirectional and have a defined input and output..
• Please see the Pin Diagrams tab for details.

Introducing Thorlabs' Kinesis^® Motion Controllers

A major upgrade to the former-generation T-Cubes, the growing K-Cube line of high-end controllers provides increased versatility not only through the new Kinesis software, but through an overhaul and updating of their physical design and firmware.

Unlike T-Cubes, every K-Cube controller includes a digital display. In addition to basic input and output readouts, this display hosts a number of menu options that include operating modes, set on/off time, and cycle counts. The on-unit wheel and menu button are used to scroll through the available options. Each unit also contains a front-located power switch that, when turned off, saves all user-adjustable settings as well as two bidirectional SMC trigger ports that accept or output a 5 V TTL logic signal.

Please see the table to the right for a full comparison of the features offered by our new KSC101 K-Cube and previous-generation TSC001 T-Cube solenoid controllers.

Click to Enlarge
KSC101 K-Cube Kinesis Solenoid Controller

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs
Complementing our K-Cubes are our Kinesis USB 2.0 controller hubs. With two versions available for three or six  K- or T-Cubes, these USB hubs are designed specifically for communication between multiple controllers and the host control PC. These hubs are backward compatible with our T-Cubes. 

K-Cubes simply clip into place using the provided on-unit clips, while current- and previous-generation T-Cubes require the KAP101 Adapter Plate, shown in the animation to the below right. The hub vastly reduces the number of USB and power cables required when operating multiple controllers.

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Male Hirose Connector
Click to Enlarge

Wire Diagram
Click to Enlarge

• 6-Pin, Male-to-Male Hirose Connector Cable
• Compatible with Several Thorlabs Products
  • TC200 Temperature Controller
  • SC10 Shutter Controller
  • KSC101 K-Cube Shutter Controller
  • SH05 Beam Shutter, Ø1/2" Aperture
  • SH1 Beam Shutter, Ø1" Aperture
• Cut Cable to Expose Wires for Custom Applications

The TC200CAB10 is a 10-foot-long, 6-pin, male-to-male Hirose connector cable that is compatible with our TC200 temperature controller, SH05 and SH1 beam shutters, KSC101 K-Cube shutter controller, and SC10 shutter controller. The wires in this cable cross as seen in the drawing to the right. This is not a straight-through cable.

This Hirose connector cable can also be cut to any length leaving one connectorized end and one bare end. The colored wire diagram to the right shows the relationship between the six colored wires and the pins in the connector, allowing the cut cable to be incorporated into a variety of custom applications.