Condenser Mounting for DIY Cerna® Systems


  • Condenser Holders with D3N Dovetails or SM2 Threads
  • Focusing Modules with 1" Travel Range
  • Motion Controller for Cerna® Components

LCPN1

Dovetail Adapter

PLSZ

Motorized Focusing Module

BSA2000

Condenser Holder

ZFM1020

Manual Focusing Module

Application Idea

BSA2000 Condenser Holder with the CSC2001 Air Condenser Attached 

MCM301

Three-Channel Controller

PLSZ1

Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms

Related Items


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DIY Cerna System with Custom Mounting
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 This system uses our CSN200 Dual-Objective Nosepiece, BSA2000 Condenser Arm, and two PLSZ focusing modules with PLSZ1 and PLSZ2 angle brackets to mount and motorize a condenser and objective, respectively.

Features

  • Place Condensers & Macro Lenses at 7.74" Throat Depth of DIY Cerna® Systems
  • Condenser Arms with Female D3N Dovetail for Thorlabs and Nikon Condensers
  • Macro Lens / Condenser Arm with Internal SM2 (2.035"-40) Threads
  • Focusing Modules Provide 1" of Z Travel for Condenser Holders
    • Manual Modules for Coarse Adjustment
    • Motorized Module for Fine Adjustment
  • Dovetail Adapters to Attach DIY Setups to a Condenser Holder or Condenser
SM2 Attachment
Click to Enlarge

A PLSZ Motorized Focusing Module with a PLSZ1 Angle Bracket and Condenser Arm Mounted to a Microscope Body

Thorlabs offers a selection of condenser holders that provide a variety of mechanical interfaces for mounting condensers, macro lenses, and other optical elements along the optical path of a DIY Cerna system. Our BSA2000 and CSA2000 Condenser Arms each feature a female D3N dovetail, which is Thorlabs' designation for the dovetail used by the majority of Nikon condensers for upright microscopes (see the Microscope Dovetails tab for details). The CSA2100 Condenser Arm has internal SM2 threads and is 60 mm cage compatible, allowing it to support home-built condensers or other optical assemblies.

Thorlabs also offers focusing modules, which provide 1" of travel along the Z axis. Manual focusing modules are available for condenser holders that require only coarse adjustment. For fine focusing adjustment, condenser arms connect to the microscope body using our motorized focusing module with an appropriate angle bracket (sold separately). For optics that do not require frequent adjustment, we also offer fixed mounting arms that mount lens tubes and cage systems directly along the optical path of the microscope.

This page also contains dovetail adapters for home-built setups. The CSA2001 adapter can connect a condenser to an SM2 lens tube system, while the LCPN1 and LCPN5 adapters can connect a condenser holder to an SM30 or SM2 lens tube system, respectively, or a 60 mm cage system. The LCPN1 dovetail adapter also has the capability to attach to a 30 mm cage system.

Thorlabs Dovetail Referencea
Type Shape Outer Dimension Angle
95 mm Linear 95 mm 45°
D1N Circular Ø2.018" 60°
D2Nb Circular Ø1.50" 90°
D2NBb Circular Ø1.50" 90°
D3N Circular Ø45 mm 70°
D5N Circular Ø1.58" 90°
D6N Circular Ø1.90" 90°
D7N Circular Ø2.05" 90°
D1T Circular Ø1.50" 60°
D3T Circular Ø1.65" 90°
D1Y Circular Ø107 mm 60°
D2Y Circular Ø2.32" 50°
D3Y Circular Ø1.75" 90°
D4Y Circular Ø56 mm 60°
D5Y Circular Ø46 mm 60°
D6Y Circular Ø41.9 mm 45°
D1Z Circular Ø54 mm 60°
D2Z Circular Ø57 mm 60°
D3Z Circular Ø54 mm 45°
  • These dovetail designations are specific to Thorlabs products and are not used by other microscope manufacturers.
  • D2N and D2NB dovetails have the same outer diameter and angle, as defined by the drawings below. The D2N designation does not specify a height. The D2NB designation specifies a dovetail height of 0.40" (10.2 mm).
Mating Circular Dovetails
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This photo shows the male D1N dovetail on the trinoculars next to the female D1N dovetail on the epi-illumination arm.
Mating Linear Dovetails
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This photo shows the male 95 mm dovetail on the microscope body and the female 95 mm dovetail on the CSA1002 Fixed Arm.

Introduction to Microscope Dovetails

Dovetails are used for mechanical mating and optical port alignment of microscope components. Components are connected by inserting one dovetail into another, then tightening one or more locking setscrews on the female dovetail. Dovetails come in two shapes: linear and circular. Linear dovetails allow the mating components to slide before being locked down, providing flexible positioning options while limiting unneeded degrees of freedom. Circular dovetails align optical ports on different components, maintaining a single optical axis with minimal user intervention.

Thorlabs manufactures many components which use dovetails to mate with our own components or those of other manufacturers. To make it easier to identify dovetail compatibility, we have developed a set of dovetail designations. The naming convention of these designations is used only by Thorlabs and not other microscope manufacturers. The table to the right lists all the dovetails Thorlabs makes, along with their key dimensions.

In the case of Thorlabs’ Cerna® microscopes, different dovetail types are used on different sections of the microscope to ensure that only compatible components can be mated. For example, our WFA2002 Epi-Illuminator Module has a male D1N dovetail that mates with the female D1N dovetail on the microscope body's epi-illumination arm, while the CSS2001 XY Microscopy Stage has a female D1Y dovetail that mates with the male D1Y dovetail on the CSA1051 Mounting Arm.

To learn which dovetail type(s) are on a particular component, consult its mechanical drawing, available by clicking on the red Docs icon (Docs Icon) below. For adapters with a female dovetail, the drawing also indicates the size of the hex key needed for the locking setscrew(s). It is important to note that mechanical compatibility does not ensure optical compatibility. Information on optical compatibility is available from Thorlabs' web presentations.

For customers interested in machining their own dovetails, the table to the right gives the outer diameter and angle (as defined by the drawings below) of each Thorlabs dovetail designation. However, the dovetail's height must be determined by the user, and for circular dovetails, the user must also determine the inner diameter and bore diameter. These quantities can vary for dovetails of the same type. One can use the intended mating part to verify compatibility.

In order to reduce wear and simplify connections, dovetails are often machined with chamfers, recesses, and other mechanical features. Some examples of these variations are shown by the drawings below.

Male Microscope Dovetails
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Two examples of how circular male dovetails can be manufactured.
Female Microscope Dovetails
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Two examples of how circular female dovetails can be manufactured.

Standard Mechanical Interfaces on DIY Cerna® Components

The table below gives the dovetail, optical component threads, and cage system interfaces that are present on each DIY Cerna component. If a DIY Cerna component does not have one of the standard interfaces in the table, it is not listed here. Please note that mechanical compatibility does not ensure optical compatibility. Information on optical compatibility is available from Thorlabs' web presentations.

Item # Microscope Dovetails Optical Component Threadsa Cage Systemsb
95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External
2CM1 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) and SM2d (2.035"-40) SM1c (1.035"-40) 60 mmd
2CM2 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) and SM2d (2.035"-40) SM1c (1.035"-40) 30 mmc
BSA2000e - - - - Female - - - - - - - -
CEA1350 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CEA1400 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CEA1500 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CEA1600 Male Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CFB1500 Male - - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA1000 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA1001 Female - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
CSA1002 Female - - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
CSA1003 - Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CSA1051 Female - - - - - - - Male - - - -
CSA1200e,f - - - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CSA1400e - - - - - - Female - - - - - 60 mmd
CSA1500e,g - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA2000e - - - - Female - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
CSA2001 - - - - Female - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) -
CSA2100e - - - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
CSA3000(/M) - Male - - - - - - - - - - -
CSA3010(/M) - Male - - - - - - - - - - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
Item # 95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External Cage Systems
CSC1001 - - - - Male - - - - - - - -
CSC1002 - - - - Male - - - - - - - -
CSC2001 - - - - Male - - - - - - - -
CSD1001 - Male & Female - Female - - - - - - - - -
CSD1002 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - - C-Mounth -
CSE2000 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - - - 60 mmd
CSE2100 - Male & Female - - - - - Female - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
CSE2200 - Male & Female - - - - - Female - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
CSN100e - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - 60 mmd
CSN110 - - - - - - Male - - - M32 x 0.75 - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
CSNK10 - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - 60 mmd
CSNK100e - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - 60 mmd
CSN200 - - - - - - Male - - - M32 x 0.75 - -
CSN210 - - - - - - Male - - - M32 x 0.75 - -
CSN1201f - - - - - - - - - - M32 x 0.75 - -
CSN1202f - - - - - - - - - - M25 x 0.75 - -
CSS2001 - - - - - - - - Female - - - -
LAURE1 - Male Female - - - - - - - - - -
LAURE2 - Male Female - - - - - - - - - -
LCPN1 - - - - Male - - - - - SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
LCPN2 - Male - - - - - - - - SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
Item # 95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External Cage Systems
LCPN3 - Male - - - - - - - Female SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 60 mmd
LCPN4 - Male - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
LCPN5 - - - - Male - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
LCPN6 - - Female - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
LCPY2 - - - - - - - - - Male SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
LCPY3 - - - - - - - - - Female - - 30 mmc and 60 mmd
OPX2400(/M) - Male & Female - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - 60 mmd
SM1A70 - - - - - - - - - - SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) SM1c (1.035"-40) -
SM1A58 - - Male Male - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) SM2d (2.035"-40) 30 mmc
SM2A56 - - - - - - - Male - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) -
SM2A59 - Male - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) - -
TC1X - - Male - - - - - - - - - -
WFA0150 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
WFA1000 - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 mmc
WFA1010 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
WFA1020 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
WFA1051 - - - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
WFA1100 - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 mmc
WFA2001 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) SM1c (1.035"-40) -
WFA2002 - Male & Female - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) - 30 mmc
Item # 95 mm D1N D2N D2NB D3N D5N D1T D3T D1Y D5Y Internal External Cage Systems
WFA4100 - Male - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) C-Mounth -
WFA4101 - Male - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) C-Mounth -
WFA4102 - Male - - - - - - - - SM1c (1.035"-40) C-Mounth -
WFA4111 - Male - - - - - - - - - SM2d (2.035"-40) -
WFA4112 - - - Male - - - - - - - C-Mounth -
XT95RC1(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95RC2(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95RC3(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95RC4(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
XT95P12(/M) Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM1020 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM1030 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM2020 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
ZFM2030 Female - - - - - - - - - - - -
  • Thorlabs' optical component thread adapters can be used to convert between C-Mount threads, SM1 threads, SM2 threads, and virtually every other optical thread standard.
  • Our cage system size adapters and drop-in adapter can be used to convert between 16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm cage systems.
  • Our 30 mm cage plates can convert between SM1 lens tubes and 30 mm cage systems.
  • Our 60 mm cage plates can convert between SM2 lens tubes and 60 mm cage systems.
  • Attach to a ZFM focusing module to add a female 95 mm dovetail.
  • The CSA1200 mounting arm is compatible with the CSN1201 and CSN1202 nosepieces.
  • This blank arm is designed for custom DIY machining for non-standard components, threads, and bores.
  • C-Mount and CS-Mount standards feature the same 1.00"-32 threads, but C-Mounts have a 5 mm longer flange-to-sensor distance.

Building a Cerna® Microscope

The Cerna microscopy platform's large working volume and system of dovetails make it straightforward to connect and position the components of the microscope. This flexibility enables simple and stable set up of a preconfigured microscope, and provides easy paths for later upgrades and modification. See below for a couple examples of the assembly of some DIY Cerna microscopes.

DIY Cerna Design and Assembly


Walkthrough of a DIY Microscope Configuration
This DIY microscope uses a CSA3000(/M) Breadboard Top, a CSA2001 Dovetail Adapter, our CSA1001 and CSA1002 Fixed Arms, and other body attachments and extensions. These components provide interfaces to our lens tube and cage construction systems, allowing the rig to incorporate two independent trans-illumination modules, a home-built epi-illumination path, and a custom sample viewing optical path.
DIY Microscope Configuration Assembly
The simplicity of Thorlabs optomechanical interfaces allows a custom DIY microscope to be quickly assembled and reconfigured for custom imaging applications.

Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2022-02-18 07:31:50.337)
Hello We are developers c++ and c# languages. We tried write the very simply program to controlling MCM300x. But the calling the FindDevices function always return false (error). long deviceCount = 0; if (false == FindDevices(deviceCount) ) { //always enter in this section } What we make wrong? Yours application to controlling work fine, but our application crash at first line. Please help us solve this problem.
cdolbashian  (posted 2022-03-08 11:00:24.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us with this software inquiry. We have contacted you directly with some guidelines regarding best practices for serial communication with our MCM3000.

Click on the different parts of the microscope to explore their functions.

Explore the Cerna MicroscopeSample Viewing/RecordingSample MountingIllumination SourcesIllumination SourcesObjectives and MountingEpi-IlluminationEpi-IlluminationTrans-IlluminationMicroscope BodyMicroscope BodyMicroscope BodyMicroscope Body

Elements of a Microscope

This overview was developed to provide a general understanding of a Cerna® microscope. Click on the different portions of the microscope graphic to the right or use the links below to learn how a Cerna microscope visualizes a sample.

 

Terminology

Arm: Holds components in the optical path of the microscope.

Bayonet Mount: A form of mechanical attachment with tabs on the male end that fit into L-shaped slots on the female end.

Bellows: A tube with accordion-shaped rubber sides for a flexible, light-tight extension between the microscope body and the objective.

Breadboard: A flat structure with regularly spaced tapped holes for DIY construction.

Dovetail: A form of mechanical attachment for many microscopy components. A linear dovetail allows flexible positioning along one dimension before being locked down, while a circular dovetail secures the component in one position. See the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for details.

Epi-Illumination: Illumination on the same side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Epi-fluorescence, reflected light, and confocal microscopy are some examples of imaging modalities that utilize epi-illumination.

Filter Cube: A cube that holds filters and other optical elements at the correct orientations for microscopy. For example, filter cubes are essential for fluorescence microscopy and reflected light microscopy.

Köhler Illumination: A method of illumination that utilizes various optical elements to defocus and flatten the intensity of light across the field of view in the sample plane. A condenser and light collimator are necessary for this technique.

Nosepiece: A type of arm used to hold the microscope objective in the optical path of the microscope.

Optical Path: The path light follows through the microscope.

Rail Height: The height of the support rail of the microscope body.

Throat Depth: The distance from the vertical portion of the optical path to the edge of the support rail of the microscope body. The size of the throat depth, along with the working height, determine the working space available for microscopy.

Trans-Illumination: Illumination on the opposite side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), Dodt gradient contrast, and darkfield microscopy are some examples of imaging modalities that utilize trans-illumination.

Working Height: The height of the support rail of the microscope body plus the height of the base. The size of the working height, along with the throat depth, determine the working space available for microscopy.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Cerna Microscope Body
Body Height Comparison
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Body Details

Microscope Body

The microscope body provides the foundation of any Cerna microscope. The support rail utilizes 95 mm rails machined to a high angular tolerance to ensure an aligned optical path and perpendicularity with the optical table. The support rail height chosen (350 - 600 mm) determines the vertical range available for experiments and microscopy components. The 7.74" throat depth, or distance from the optical path to the support rail, provides a large working space for experiments. Components attach to the body by way of either a linear dovetail on the support rail, or a circular dovetail on the epi-illumination arm (on certain models). Please see the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for further details.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Illumination with a Cerna microscope can come from above (yellow) or below (orange). Illumination sources (green) attach to either.

Illumination

Using the Cerna microscope body, a sample can be illuminated in two directions: from above (epi-illumination, see yellow components to the right) or from below (trans-illumination, see orange components to the right).

Epi-illumination illuminates on the same side of the sample as the viewing apparatus; therefore, the light from the illumination source (green) and the light from the sample plane share a portion of the optical path. It is used in fluorescence, confocal, and reflected light microscopy. Epi-illumination modules, which direct and condition light along the optical path, are attached to the epi-illumination arm of the microscope body via a circular D1N dovetail (see the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for details). Multiple epi-illumination modules are available, as well as breadboard tops, which have regularly spaced tapped holes for custom designs.

Trans-illumination illuminates from the opposite side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Example imaging modalities include brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), Dodt gradient contrast, oblique, and darkfield microscopy. Trans-illumination modules, which condition light (on certain models) and direct it along the optical path, are attached to the support rail of the microscope body via a linear dovetail (see Microscope Dovetails tab or here). Please note that certain imaging modalities will require additional optics to alter the properties of the beam; these optics may be easily incorporated in the optical path via lens tubes and cage systems. In addition, Thorlabs offers condensers, which reshape input collimated light to help create optimal Köhler illumination. These attach to a mounting arm, which holds the condenser at the throat depth, or the distance from the optical path to the support rail. The arm attaches to a focusing module, used for aligning the condenser with respect to the sample and trans-illumination module.

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
Light from the sample plane is collected through an objective (blue) and viewed using trinocs or other optical ports (pink).

Sample Viewing/Recording

Once illuminated, examining a sample with a microscope requires both focusing on the sample plane (see blue components to the right) and visualizing the resulting image (see pink components).

A microscope objective collects and magnifies light from the sample plane for imaging. On the Cerna microscope, the objective is threaded onto a nosepiece, which holds the objective at the throat depth, or the distance from the optical path to the support rail of the microscope body. This nosepiece is secured to a motorized focusing module, used for focusing the objective as well as for moving it out of the way for sample handling. To ensure a light-tight path from the objective, the microscope body comes with a bellows (not pictured).

Various modules are available for sample viewing and data collection. Trinoculars have three points of vision to view the sample directly as well as with a camera. Double camera ports redirect or split the optical path among two viewing channels. Camera tubes increase or decrease the image magnification. For data collection, Thorlabs offers both cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), the latter being necessary to detect fluorescence signals for confocal microscopy. Breadboard tops provide functionality for custom-designed data collection setups. Modules are attached to the microscope body via a circular dovetail (see the Microscope Dovetails tab or here for details).

 

microscope bodyClick to Enlarge
The rigid stand (purple) pictured is one of various sample mounting options available.

Sample/Experiment Mounting

Various sample and equipment mounting options are available to take advantage of the large working space of this microscope system. Large samples and ancillary equipment can be mounted via mounting platforms, which fit around the microscope body and utilize a breadboard design with regularly spaced tapped through holes. Small samples can be mounted on rigid stands (for example, see the purple component to the right), which have holders for different methods of sample preparation and data collection, such as slides, well plates, and petri dishes. For more traditional sample mounting, slides can also be mounted directly onto the microscope body via a manual XY stage. The rigid stands can translate by way of motorized stages (sold separately), while the mounting platforms contain built-in mechanics for motorized or manual translation. Rigid stands can also be mounted on top of the mounting platforms for independent and synchronized movement of multiple instruments, if you are interested in performing experiments simultaneously during microscopy.

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For sample viewing, Thorlabs offers trinoculars, double camera ports, and camera tubes. Light from the sample plane can be collected via cameras, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), or custom setups using breadboard tops. Click here for additional information about viewing samples with a Cerna microscope.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Sample Viewing Breadboards
& Body Attachments
Cameras PMTs

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Microscope objectives are held in the optical path of the microscope via a nosepiece. Click here for additional information about viewing a sample with a Cerna microscope.

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Large and small experiment mounting options are available to take advantage of the large working space of this microscope. Click here for additional information about mounting a sample for microscopy.

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Thorlabs offers various light sources for epi- and trans-illumination. Please see the full web presentation of each to determine its functionality within the Cerna microscopy platform.

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Epi-illumination illuminates the sample on the same side as the viewing apparatus. Example imaging modalities include fluorescence, confocal, and reflected light microscopy. Click here for additional information on epi-illumination with Cerna.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Epi-Illumination Web Presentation Body Attachments Light Sources
Epi-Illumination Body Attachments Light Sources

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Trans-illumination illuminates from the opposite side of the sample as the viewing apparatus. Example imaging modalities include brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), Dodt gradient contrast, oblique, and darkfield microscopy. Click here for additional information on trans-illumination with Cerna.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Brightfield Web Presentation DIC Web Presentation Dodt Web Presentation Condensers Web Presentation Condenser Mounting Web Presentation Illumination Kits Web Presentation Other Light Sources
Brightfield DIC Dodt Condensers Condenser Mounting Illumination Kits Other Light Sources

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The microscope body provides the foundation of any Cerna microscope. The 7.74" throat depth provides a large working space for experiments. Click here for additional information about the Cerna microscope body.

Product Families & Web Presentations
Microscope Body Web Presentation Microscope Body Translator
Microscope Bodies Microscope Translator
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Condenser Holders

Mounted Condenser
Click for Details

Here, a CSC1001 Condenser is mounted at a 7.74" throat depth using a CSA2000 Condenser Arm and a PLSZ Motorized Focusing Module with a PLSZ1 Angle Bracket.
Add a Focusing Module if You Buy a Nosepiece
  • BSA2000: Female D3N Dovetail, Two Adjusters, and Slim Profile
  • CSA2000: Female D3N Dovetail, Orthogonal XY Adjusters, and 60 mm Cage Compatibility
  • CSA2100: Internal SM2 (2.035"-40) Threads and 60 mm Cage Compatibility
  • Attach to Focusing Module for 1" of Z Travel

These arms are designed to mount condensers at the 7.74" throat depth of DIY Cerna systems. All of these arms contain six M4 counterbores for attachment to a manual focusing module or a motorized focusing module with an angle bracket (sold separately below). 

The BSA2000 arm has a D3N dovetail that is directly compatible with any condenser offered by Thorlabs; the condenser is secured using a 2 mm hex setscrew. With a thickness of just 0.52", this arm conserves valuable space along the optical axis for items like our DIC accessories, Fast XY Scanning Stage, and user-built add-ons. It includes two adjusters with ±2.5 mm travel, allowing optimization of the illumination provided by the condenser.

In comparison, the CSA2000 arm, which also has a female D3N dovetail, is 1.86" thick so that it can incorporate orthogonal XY adjusters with ±2 mm travel. These adjusters therefore offer significantly reduced crosstalk, enabling faster optimization of the illumination conditions. Witness lines below the D3N dovetail give a reference for how far the condenser has traveled. In addition, the arm contains four Ø6 mm bores for 60 mm cage systems on the top, four 4-40 taps for 60 mm cage systems on the bottom, and 0.38" deep internal SM2 (2.035"-40) threads on the bottom.

The CSA2100 arm has a 0.38" thickness, internal SM2 through threads, and four 4-40 through taps for 60 mm cage systems. The use of our standard SM2 threads makes it compatible with any custom optical system mounted using our Ø2" lens tubes, as well as the CSA2001 D3N Dovetail Adapter sold below, which can be used to adapt it to our condensers.

For machining a holder utilizing non-standard threading or condenser attachment, consider the CSA1500 blank arm, which can also be attached to a motorized focusing module.

In addition, both the BSA2000 and CSA2000 are compatible with the LCPN1 condenser adapter for DIY setups. See below for details.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
BSA2000 Support Documentation
BSA2000Condenser Arm, ±2.5 mm Travel per Adjuster, Female D3N Dovetail
$822.05
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CSA2000 Support Documentation
CSA2000Condenser Arm, ±2 mm Travel in X & Y, Female D3N Dovetail, 60 mm Cage Compatible
$822.05
Today
CSA2100 Support Documentation
CSA2100Arm, Internal SM2 Threads, 60 mm Cage Compatible
$168.87
Today
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Manual Focusing Modules

Manual Focusing Module Specifications
Travel Range 1" (25.4 mm)
Distance per Degree Turn
of Focus Knoba
~2 mm / 30°
Load Capacity
Stage Mounted to
Vertical Rail
Recommended: ≤6.6 lbs (3 kg)
Maximum: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Stage Mounted to
Horizontal Rail
Recommended: ≤22 lbs (10 kg)
Maximum: 33 lbs (15 kg)
  • The angular distance between each groove on the focus knob is 30°.


When using the ZFM1020 module, the surface of the condenser holder will be flush with the bottom (or top) of the module.

When using the ZFM1030 module, the bottom surface of the condenser holder will be at the middle of the module.

  • Provides Manual Focusing Adjustment over 1" Travel Range
  • 95 mm Dovetail Clamp on Back Connects to Microscope Body
  • Includes Six M4 Cap Screws for Attaching Condenser Arm
  • Aligns Condenser Holder at 7.74" Throat Depth of DIY Cerna System
  • Adjust Translation Stage Using Focusing Knobs

Our Manual Condenser Focusing Modules provide 1" of manual travel for a mounted condenser and its holder. Each module consists of a 95 mm dovetail clamp that connects to the microscope body, a manual translation stage, and a mounting bracket with six M4 tapped holes. These six M4 taps are spaced to mate with the M4 counterbores on our condenser holders.

When mounting a condenser holder onto one of these manual focusing modules, the optical port will be aligned at the 7.74" throat depth of the DIY Cerna system. The focusing knobs on either side of the module can be used to translate the stage. The manual translation stage utilizes a dovetail translation mechanism to minimize long-term drift compared to stages with rolling bearings. Specifications for these manual focusing modules are provided in the table to the right.

We offer two versions of these manual focusing modules to allow the user to choose whichever module makes the most efficient use of space. As shown in the drawing on the right, a condenser holder that is mounted to the ZFM1020 Focusing Module will have one surface in the same plane as the edge of the module. This module can be secured to the microscope with the holder facing up or down. By comparison, a condenser holder mounted to the ZFM1030 Focusing Module will be mounted in the middle of the module.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ZFM1020 Support Documentation
ZFM1020Manual Condenser Focusing Module with 1" Travel for Edge-Mounted Arms
$1,857.58
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ZFM1030 Support Documentation
ZFM1030Manual Condenser Focusing Module with 1" Travel for Middle-Mounted Arms
$1,857.58
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Motorized Focusing Module with 1" Travel

Motorized Translation Stage Specificationsa
Travel Range 1" (25.4 mm)
Bidirectional Repeatability 5 µm
Backlash 10 µm
Minimum Achievable
Incremental Movement
424 nm
Minimum Achievable
Repeatable Movement
1.06 μm
Velocity (Max) 7 mm/s
Acceleration (Max) 11 mm/s2
Cable Length 6' (1.8 m)
Pin Diagram Click to View
Load Capacity
Stage Mounted to
Vertical Railb
Recommended: ≤5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Maximum: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Stage Mounted to
Horizontal Rail
Recommended: ≤20 lbs (9.1 kg)
Maximum: 33 lbs (15 kg)
Stepper Motor Specifications
Thread Screw Pitch 0.3 mm
Step Angle 1.8°
Limit Switches Hall Effect Sensors
Phase Current 0.49 A
Phase Resistance 5.1 Ω
Insulation Resistance 20 MΩ
  • The PLSZ motorized translation stage is operated by the MCM301 controller (sold separately).
  • This is the orientation shown in the pictures below.
  • Provides Motorized Focusing Adjustment over 1" Travel Range
  • 95 mm Dovetail Clamp on Back Connects to Microscope Body
  • Angle Brackets Available for Edge-Mounted and Middle-Mounted Arms
    • Each Includes Four 4-40 Cap Screws for Connecting to PLSZ Motorized Focusing Module
    • Each Includes Six M4 Cap Screws for Attaching Condenser Arm
  • Aligns Optical Port of Arm at 7.74" Throat Depth of DIY Cerna System
  • Operated by MCM301 3-Axis Controller (Sold Separately)

Our Motorized Focusing Module provides 1" of fine, variable-speed travel along the Z axis for optics in a DIY Cerna system. Each module consists of a 95 mm dovetail clamp that connects to the microscope body and a motorized translation stage that connects to our angle brackets (sold separately) for mounting a condenser arm or objective nosepiece. A permanently attached 6' (1.8 m) cable connects the module to our MCM301 3-Axis Controller (sold separately below).

The PLSZ1 and PLSZ2 angle brackets are designed for edge-mounted and middle-mounted arms, respectively. Each bracket has four holes for 4-40 screws, allowing it to connect with the PLSZ module, and six M4 tapped holes that are spaced to mate with the M4 counterbores on our condenser arms. Included with each bracket are four 4-40 cap screws, six M4 x 0.7 cap screws, and a 3/32" (2.5 mm) hex key. For alignment, the PLSZ1 and PLSZ2 also include four or two Ø0.12" (Ø3.0 mm) dowel pins, respectively. When an arm is connected the the PLSZ with one of these angle brackets, its optical port will be aligned at the 7.74" throat depth of the DIY Cerna system.

The PLSZ1 and PLSZ2 angle brackets can be mounted to the PLSZ module in either of two orientations, and the PLSZ module can be mounted on the microscope body in either of two orientations. This provides numerous mounting options for the condenser arm that allows the user to make the most efficient use of space. As shown in the diagram below, an arm that is mounted to the PLSZ1 angle bracket will have one surface in the same plane as the edge of the module. In comparison, an arm that is mounted to the PLSZ2 angle bracket will have one surface in the plane that bisects the module, which is 1.5" away from the module's edge. When selecting an angle bracket and positioning the stage on the microscope body, it is important to consider the clearance needed for the stage to be able to travel its full range of motion and the desired spacing between adjacent components in the optical path. For cases where the final position of the arm needs to be as close as possible to either end of the rail or another adjacent component in the optical path, we recommend using the PLSZ1 bracket to mount the arm at the top or bottom edge of the stage.

Our PLST(/M) top plate can also be mounted to the PLSZ module, expanding the versatility of the stage well beyond microscopy and providing options for custom mounting needs. 

SM2 Attachment
Click to Enlarge

Six M4 cap screws are included with each angle bracket to connect with condenser arms.
PLSZ in Two Orientations
Click for Details

The PLSZ module has two possible orientations, creating space along the optical path for mounted optomechanical assemblies.

When using the PLSZ1 angle bracket with the PLSZ module, the surface of the arm will be flush with the bottom (or top) of the module.

When using the PLSZ2 angle bracket with the PLSZ module, the surface of the arm will be at the middle of the module.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PLSZ Support Documentation
PLSZMotorized Module with 1" Travel, 95 mm Dovetail
$1,935.00
Today
PLSZ1 Support Documentation
PLSZ1Angle Bracket for Edge-Mounted Arms
$185.00
Today
PLSZ2 Support Documentation
PLSZ2Angle Bracket for Middle-Mounted Arms
$235.00
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Motion Controller for Cerna Components with 1" Travel Range

Controller Specifications
Compatible Motor Specifications

Software

Version 1.1 (May 24, 2024)

The software package contains the installation files
for the GUI interface, driver, and SDK. The software is compatible with Windows® 7 (64 bit) and later systems.

Software Download
  • Designed for Cerna Components with 1" Motorized Travel
  • Provides Control for up to Three Channels
  • Separately Available Three-Knob Joystick Allows Hand Operation
  • Each Axis can be Individually Disabled to Prevent
    Unintended Movements or to Retain a Position
  • Dial on Top of Three-Knob Joystick Adjusts Translation Speed

The MCM301 3-Axis Controller is designed for use with Thorlabs' Motorized Focusing Module, Motorized Rigid Stand Translation Stages, and Motorized Vertical Rigid Stands. The MCMK3 3-Knob Joystick, available separately, can be connected to provide hand-operation. The controller can also be operated remotely using standalone software.

Each side face of the optional MCMK3 joystick includes a rotating knob and a push-button switch that are dedicated to a single axis. The push-button switch on the joystick enables and disables the axis and is lit in green when the axis is enabled. Disabling the axis lets the user preserve a position or prevent accidental movements. A dial on the top face adjusts the velocity per rotation of the knobs. For more information on the MCMK3 joystick and how to utilize the USB HID protocol, please see the full web presentation.

Since each MCM301 controller has three channels, you only need to purchase enough channels for each of the modules you intend to drive. For example, a Cerna microscope equipped with a PLSZ Motorized Focusing Module (which has one axis) and a PLSXY Translation Stage (two axes) would only require one MCM301 controller.

For more information, as well as compatible software and a LabVIEW™/C++/Python SDK, please see the full web presentation for the MCM301 controller.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MCM301 Support Documentation
MCM301Three-Channel Controller for Motorized Rigid Stands and PLS Series Stages
$1,581.00
Today
MCMK3 Support Documentation
MCMK3Customer Inspired! 3-Knob USB HID Joystick
$1,181.77
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Dovetail Adapters

Cerna Custome Condenser
Click to Enlarge

Our CSA2001 adapter has a female D3N dovetail that mates to the male D3N dovetail on a condenser. Here, the external SM2 threads on the adapter are threaded into our CXY2A mount.
  • Extends Versatility of Thorlabs' Lens Tube and Cage Construction Systems to DIY Cerna Systems
  • CSA2001: Female D3N Dovetail and External SM2 Threads
  • LCPN1: Male D3N Dovetail, Internal SM30 Threads, 30 mm and 60 mm Cage Compatible
  • LCPN5: Male D3N Dovetail, Internal SM2 Threads, and 60 mm Cage Compatible

These dovetail adapters allow DIY light conditioning setups to be integrated into a Cerna microscope. The CSA2001 is used to mount a condenser to an optical assembly that uses Thorlabs' SM2 lens tubes. A 2 mm hex setscrew is included to secure the dovetail of the adapter to the condenser. The LCPN1 and LCPN5 adapters are used to mount a custom condenser configuration onto a Cerna Microscope. To secure an optic to the inside of the adapter, the LCPN1 and LCPN5 adapters include SM30RR and SM2RR retaining rings, respectively. 

See the table below for the mechanical features of each adapter.

Item # CSA2001 LCPN1 LCPN5
Dovetaila Female D3N Male D3N
SM Threading External SM2 (2.035"-40) Internal SM30 (30.5 x 0.5) Internal SM2 (2.035"-40)
Cage Compatibility Noneb 30 mm Cage System
(4-40 Tapc, 4 Places)
60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
60 mm Cage System
(Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Clear Aperture Ø1.58" (40.0 mm) Ø1.10" (27.9 mm) Ø1.50" (38.1 mm)
Adapter Profile
(Click for Drawing)
  • Additional information on dovetails is available in the Microscope Dovetails tab.
  • An SM2-threaded cage plate can be used to adapt the CSA2001 adapter to a 60 mm cage system.
  • These tapped holes are on the opposite side of the dovetail only.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CSA2001 Support Documentation
CSA2001Adapter with Female D3N Dovetail and External SM2 Threads
$160.65
Today
LCPN1 Support Documentation
LCPN1Nikon Eclipse (Ti, Ti2, or Upright) and Cerna Microscope Condenser Adapter, Male D3N Dovetail, Internal SM30 Threads, 30 and 60 mm Cage Compatibility
$116.46
Today
LCPN5 Support Documentation
LCPN5Nikon Eclipse (Ti, Ti2, or Upright) and Cerna Microscope Condenser Adapter, Male D3N Dovetail, Internal SM2 Threads, 60 mm Cage Compatibility
$114.24
Today