Products Home / Optomechanical Components / Optomechanical Mounts / Optical Mirror Mounts / Polaris® Mirror Mounts / SM-Threaded Polaris Mirror Mounts / Polaris® SM05-Threaded Low-Drift Kinematic Mirror MountsPolaris® SM05-Threaded Low-Drift Kinematic Mirror Mounts
- SM05-Threaded Mounting Bore
- Matched Actuator and Back Plate Threading Minimize Drift and Backlash
- Minimal Temperature-Dependent Hysteresis
- Sapphire Adjuster Seats Prevent Wear Over Time
POLARIS-K05T6
3 Hex Adjusters
with Lock Nuts
POLARIS-K05T1
2 Low-Profile Hex Adjusters
Application Idea
POLARIS-K05T6 Mount Shown with a Fiber Collimator and AD1109F Adapter
Please Wait
Click to Enlarge
Figure 1.1 Each Polaris mount undergoes extensive thermal testing to ensure high-quality performance. Please see the Test Data tab for additional test results.
| Quick Links | |
|---|---|
| Ø1/2" Mount with 3 Adjusters | |
| Ø1/2" Mounts with 2 Adjusters | |
| Hex Adjusters | |
| Lock Nut | |
| Torque Wrench |
Features
- Machined from Heat-Treated Stainless Steel with Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE)
- SM05-Threaded Bore for Mounting Optics, Lens Tubes, or Other Components
- Hardened Stainless Steel Ball Contacts with Sapphire Seats for Durability and Smooth Movement
- Matched Actuator and Back Plate Provide Stability and Smooth Kinematic Adjustment
- Extensive Testing Guarantees Less than 2 μrad Deviation after 12.5 °C Temperature Cycling (See Test Data Tab for Details)
- Passivated Stainless Steel Surface Ideal for Vacuum and High-Power Laser Cavity Applications
- Custom Mount Configurations are Available by Contacting Tech Support
Polaris® SM05-Threaded Kinematic Mirror Mounts are the ultimate solution for applications requiring stringent long-term alignment stability.
Optic Retention
All of the mounts sold here feature an SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) bore which allows a variety of optical components to be secured in the mount. Two stainless steel retaining rings are included with each mount; additional retaining rings can also be purchased separately.
Polaris optic bores are precision machined to achieve a fit that will provide optimum beam pointing stability over changing environmental conditions such as temperature changes, transportation shock, and vibration. Performance will be diminished if these mounts are used with optics that have an outer diameter tolerance greater than zero or smaller metric optic sizes (Ø12.5 mm).
Design
Machined from heat-treated stainless steel, Polaris mounts utilize precision-matched adjusters with ball contacts and sapphire seats to provide smooth kinematic adjustment. As shown on the Test Data tab, these mounts have undergone extensive testing to ensure high-quality performance. The Polaris design addresses all of the common causes of beam misalignment; please refer to the Design Features tab for detailed information.
Post Mounting
The Polaris mirror mounts are equipped with #8 (M4) counterbores for post mounting and Ø2 mm alignment pin holes around the mounting counterbore for precision alignment when paired with our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts. We also recommend using a torque driver or spanner wrench to accurately install the optic and prevent optical surface distortion. See the Usage Tips tab for more recommendations on mounting configurations.
Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
All Polaris mounts, lock nuts, and locking collars sold on this page are designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. See the Specs tab and the Design Features tab for details.
| Item # Suffixa | -K05T6 | -K05T1 | -K05T2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optic Sizes | Ø1/2" | ||
| Optic Thickness (Max) | 0.25" (6.4 mm) | ||
| Number of Adjusters | Three | Two | |
| Adjuster Drive | 5/64" Hex | Low-Profile 5/64" Hex |
5/64" Hex |
| Adjuster Pitch | 130 TPI Matched Actuator/Body Pairs | ||
| Measured Point-to-Point Mechanical Resolution per Adjuster |
5 µrad (Typical) 2 µrad (Achievable) |
||
| Measured Adjuster Lock Mechanical Resolution per Adjuster |
5 µrad (Typical) 2 µrad (Achievable) |
||
| Resolutionb | ~11 mrad/rev | ||
| Front Plate Translation (Max) | 5 mm | N/A | |
| Mechanical Angular Range (Nominal) | ±5° | ||
| Beam Deviationc After Thermal Cycling | <2 μrad | ||
| Recommended Optic Mounting Torque | 6 - 20 oz-in for 6 mm Thick Optics | ||
| Maximum SM-Threaded Component Mounting Torqued | 15 lb-in for SM05-Threaded Parts | ||
| Maximum Front Plate Payload (Torque / Weight) |
1 lb-in (0.11 N·m) / 1 lb (4.5 N) | ||
| Mountinge | Two #8 (M4) Counterbores | ||
| Alignment Pin Holes | Two Ø2 mm Holes for DIN 7-m6 Ground Dowel Pin at Each Counterbore | ||
| Vacuum Compatibilityf | 10-9 Torr at 25 °C with Proper Bake Out; 10-5 Torr at 25 °C without Bake Out DuPont Krytox® LVP High-Vacuum Grease Vapor Pressure: 10-13 Torr at 20 °C ,10-5 Torr at 200 °C EPO-TEK® 353ND (353NDPK) Epoxy Meets Low Outgassing Standards NASA ASTM E595, Telcordia GR-1221 |
||
| Operating Temperature Range | -30 to 200 °C | ||
Polaris® Mirror Mounts Test Data
All of the Polaris Low-Drift Kinematic Mirror Mounts have undergone extensive testing to ensure high-quality performance. After mounting the Polaris to a Ø1" stainless steel post, the mirror and post assembly was secured to a stainless steel optical table in a temperature-controlled environment. A beam from an independently temperature-stabilized laser diode was reflected by the mirror onto a position sensing detector. The mirror was secured between the two retaining rings included with the Polaris mount, not using epoxy.
Positional Repeatability After Thermal Shock
Purpose: This testing was done to determine how reliably the mount returns the mirror, without hysteresis, to its initial position. These measurements show that the alignment of the optical system is unaffected by the temperature shock.
Procedure: The temperature of each mirror mount tested was elevated and maintained for a given soak time. Then the temperature of the mirror mount was returned to the starting temperature. The results of these tests are shown in Figures 3.1 - 3.3.
Results: As can be seen in the plots in Figures 3.1 - 3.3, when the Polaris mounts were returned to their initial temperature, the angular position (both pitch and yaw) of the mirrors returned to within 2 µrad of its initial position. The performance of the Polaris was tested further by subjecting the mount to repeated temperature change cycles. After each cycle, the mirror’s position reliably returned to within 2 µrad of its initial position.
For Comparison: To get a 2 µrad change in the mount’s position, the 130 TPI adjuster on a Ø1/2" Polaris mount needs to be rotated by only 0.0655° (1/5500 of a turn). A highly skilled operator might be able to make an adjustment as small as 0.3° (1/1200 of a turn), which corresponds to a 9 µrad change in the mount's position.
Conclusions: The Polaris Mirror Mounts are high-quality, ultra-stable mounts that will reliably return a mirror to its original position after cycling through a temperature change. As a result, the Polaris mounts are ideal for use in applications that require long-term alignment stability.
 Click to Enlarge Figure 3.1 This plot shows the pitch and yaw deviation of a POLARIS-K05T6 mount as it undergoes a heating and cooling cycle. |
 Click to Enlarge Figure 3.2 This plot shows the pitch and yaw deviation of a POLARIS-K05T2 mount as it undergoes a heating and cooling cycle. |
 Click to Enlarge Figure 3.3 This plot shows the final angular position of a POLARIS-K05T2 mount for 40 consecutive thermal shock tests. The change in temperature is the difference between the starting temperature and the temperature at the end of the test and includes factors such as the variation in room temperature. |
Click to Enlarge
Figure 4.1 Design Features of Polaris SM05-Threaded Mounts
Several common factors typically lead to beam misalignment in an optical setup. These include temperature-induced hysteresis of the mirror's position, crosstalk, drift, and backlash. Polaris mirror mounts are designed specifically to minimize these misalignment factors and thus provide extremely stable performance. Hours of extensive research, multiple design efforts using sophisticated design tools such as finite element analysis software, and months of rigorous testing went into choosing the best components to provide an ideal solution for experiments requiring ultra-stable performance from a kinematic mirror mount.
Thermal Hysteresis
The temperature in most labs is not constant due to factors such as air conditioning, the number of people in the room, and the operating states of equipment. Thus, it is necessary that all mounts used in an alignment-sensitive optical setup be designed to minimize any thermally induced alignment effects. Thermal effects can be minimized by choosing materials with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), like stainless steel. However, even mounts made from a material with a low CTE do not typically return the mirror to its initial position when the initial temperature is restored. All the critical components of the Polaris mirror mounts are heat treated prior to assembly since this process removes internal stresses that can cause a temperature-dependent hysteresis. As a result, the alignment of the optical system will be restored when the temperature of the mirror mount is returned to the initial temperature.
The method by which the mirror is secured in the mount is another important design factor for the Polaris; these Polaris mounts offer excellent performance without the use of adhesives. Instead, they have SM05-threaded bores and two stainless steel retaining rings that hold the optic in place. The holding force provided by the stainless steel retaining rings is sufficient to keep the mirror locked into place regardless of the ambient temperature. This bore also allows other SM05-threaded components to be secured in the mounts.
Crosstalk
Crosstalk is minimized by carefully controlling the dimensional tolerances of the front and back plates of the mount so that the pitch and yaw actuators are orthogonal. In addition, sapphire seats are used at all three contact points. Standard metal-to-metal actuator contact points will wear down over time. The polished sapphire seats of the Polaris mounts, in conjunction with the hardened stainless steel actuator tips, maintain the integrity of the contact surfaces over time.
Drift and Backlash
In order to minimize the positional drift of the mirror mount and backlash, it is necessary to limit the amount of play in the adjuster as well as the amount of lubricant used. When an adjustment is made to the actuator, the lubricant will be squeezed out of some spaces and built up in others. This non-equilibrium distribution of lubricant will slowly relax back into an equilibrium state. However, in doing so, this may cause the position of the front plate of the mount to move. The Polaris mounts use adjusters matched to the body that exceed all industry standards so very little adjuster lubricant is needed. These adjusters have a smooth feel that allows the user to make small, repeatable adjustments.
Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
All Polaris mounts sold on this page are designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum chamber applications. They are chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, they are assembled in a clean environment and then double vacuum bagged to eliminate contamination when transported into a cleanroom.
Click to Enlarge
Figure 4.2 Polaris Mounts are Shipped Inside Two Vacuum Bag Layers
The sapphire contacts are bonded into place using a NASA-approved low outgassing procedure. In addition, DuPont LVP High-Vacuum (Krytox) Grease, an ultra-high vacuum compatible, low outgassing PTFE grease, is applied to the adjusters. These features provide high vacuum compatibility and low outgassing performance. When operating at pressures below 10-5 Torr, we highly recommend using an appropriate bake out procedure prior to installing the mount in order to minimize contamination caused by outgassing. Please note that the 8-32 and M4 cap screws included with the Polaris mounts are not rated for pressures below 10-5 Torr.
Cleanroom-Compatible Packaging
Each vacuum-compatible Polaris mount is packaged within two vacuum bag layers after assembly in a clean environment, as seen in Figure 4.2. The vacuum-tight fit of the bags stabilizes the mount, limiting translation of the front plate due to shocks during transportation. The tight fit also minimizes rubbing against the bag, preventing the introduction of bag material shavings that would contaminate the clean mount.
In the vacuum-sealing process, moisture-containing air is drawn out of the packaging. This eliminates unwanted reactions on the surface of the mount without the need for desiccant materials. The vacuum bags protect the mount from contamination by air or dust during transport and storage, and the double-vacuum bag configuration allows for a straightforward and effective cleanroom entry procedure. The outer bag can be removed outside of the cleanroom, allowing the contaminant-free inner bag to be placed into a clean container and transferred into the cleanroom while retaining the benefits of vacuum-bag packaging. Inside the cleanroom, the mount can be removed from the inner bag when ready for use.
Click for Details
Figure 5.1 Spanner Bits and the TD24 Torque Driver Can Be Used to Mount Optics in SM-Threaded Polaris Mirror Mounts
Click to Enlarge
Figure 5.2 POLARIS-K1T with Mounted Large Beam Fiber Collimator using the AD15F Thread Adapter
Through thermal changes and vibrations, the Polaris kinematic mirror mounts are designed to provide years of use. Below are some usage tips to ensure that the mount provides optimal performance.
Match Materials
Due to its relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, stainless steel was chosen as the material from which to fabricate the front and back plates of the Polaris mounts. When mounting, we recommend using components fabricated from the same material, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts and Non-Bridging Clamping Arms.
Use a Wide Post
The Polaris' performance is optimized for use with our Ø1" Posts and our POLARIS-CA1(/M) clamping arm. These posts are made of stainless steel and provide two lines of contact with the mount, which help confine the bottom of the mount during variations in the surrounding temperature, thereby minimizing potential alignment issues.
Optic Mounting
Since an optic is prone to movement within its mounting bore, all optics should be mounted with the Polaris out of the setup to ensure accurate mounting that will minimize misalignment effects. As shown in Figure 5.1, we recommend using a TD24 torque wrench with an SPB05 Spanner Bit for SM05-threaded Polaris mounts. See the Specs tab for the recommended torque. Over torquing the optic retaining rings can result in dramatic surface distortions.
Mounting SM05-Threaded Components
Since the front plate of the Polaris mount can move independently from the back plate, it is important to secure the front plate while mounting SM-threaded components. This ensures that the front plate will not rotate with respect to the back plate and crack the sapphire seats at the contact point between the two plates.
Front Plate’s Position
These Polaris mounts are designed to allow adjustments of up to 10°. To achieve the best performance, it is recommended that the front plate be kept as parallel as possible to the back plate. This ensures the highest stability of the adjustments.
Mount as Close to the Table’s Surface as Possible
To minimize the impact of vibrations and temperature changes, it is recommended that your setup has as low of a profile as possible. Using short posts will reduce the Y-axis translation caused by temperature variations and will minimize any movements caused by vibrations. Mount the Polaris directly onto a flat surface such as a breadboard using a 8-32 to 1/4"-20 thread adapter (AE8E25E) or M4 x 0.7 to M6 x 1.0 adapter (AE4M6M). Using this mounting method, the instability introduced by a post will be eliminated.
Polish and Clean the Points of Contact
We highly recommend that the points of contact between the mount and the post, as well as the post and the table, are clean and free of scratches or defects. For best results, we recommend using a polishing stone to clean the table’s surface and a polishing pad (LF1P) for the top and bottom of the post as well as the bottom of the mount.
Not Recommended
We do not recommend taking the adjusters out of the body, as it can contaminate the threading. This can reduce the fine adjustment performance significantly. Also, do not pull the front plate away as it might stretch the springs beyond their operating range or crack the sapphire seats.
Adjuster Lock Nuts
POLARIS-LN05 lock nuts are pre-installed onto the adjusters of select mounts below for long-term stability or applications that are exposed to shock and vibration. The beam can be held on target with the adjuster thumbscrew or hex key while lightly tightening the lock nut by hand or with a thin-head wrench or cone wrench. For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened by hand to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). If long term stability is required, the torque wrench below can be used to apply the appropriate amount of torque to each lock nut (see Table 730C for torque values). POLARIS-LN05 lock nuts have a 6 mm hex. Each lock nut is pre-greased with the same ultra-high-vacuum-compatible, low-outgassing PTFE grease as the Polaris mounts and has been tested for adjuster fit.
| SM05 Threading: Ø1/2" Lens Tubes, 16 mm Cage Systems | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 0.535"-40.0 UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 0.535"-40.0 UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 0.5340" | Min Major Diameter | 0.5350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 0.5289" | Min Pitch Diameter | 0.5188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 0.5178" | Max Pitch Diameter | 0.5230" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 0.5146" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 0.508" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 0.5069" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 0.514" |
| RMS Threading: Objective, Scan, and Tube Lenses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 0.800"-36.0 UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 0.800"-36.0 UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 0.7989" | Min Major Diameter | 0.8000" |
| Min Major Diameter | 0.7934" | Min Pitch Diameter | 0.7820" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 0.7809" | Max Pitch Diameter | 0.7866" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 0.7774" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 0.770" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 0.7688" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 0.777" |
| C-Mount Threading: Machine Vision Lenses, CCD/CMOS Cameras | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 1.000"-32.0 UN-2A | Internal Thread, 1.000"-32.0 UN-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 0.9989" | Min Major Diameter | 1.0000" |
| Min Major Diameter | 0.9929" | Min Pitch Diameter | 0.9797" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 0.9786" | Max Pitch Diameter | 0.9846" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 0.9748" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 0.966" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 0.9651" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 0.974" |
| SM1 Threading: Ø1" Lens Tubes, 30 mm Cage Systems | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 1.035"-40.0 UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 1.035"-40.0 UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 1.0339" | Min Major Diameter | 1.0350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 1.0288" | Min Pitch Diameter | 1.0188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 1.0177" | Max Pitch Diameter | 1.0234" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 1.0142" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 1.008" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 1.0068" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 1.014" |
| SM30 Threading: Ø30 mm Lens Tubes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, M30.5 x 0.5 – 6H/6g | Internal Thread, M30.5 x 0.5 – 6H/6g | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 30.480 mm | Min Major Diameter | 30.500 mm |
| Min Major Diameter | 30.371 mm | Min Pitch Diameter | 30.175 mm |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 30.155 mm | Max Pitch Diameter | 30.302 mm |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 30.059 mm | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 29.959 mm |
| Max Minor Diameter | 29.938 mm | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 30.094 mm |
| SM1.5 Threading: Ø1.5" Lens Tubes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 1.535"-40 UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 1.535"-40 UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 1.5339" | Min Major Diameter | 1.535" |
| Min Major Diameter | 1.5288" | Min Pitch Diameter | 1.5188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 1.5177" | Max Pitch Diameter | 1.5236" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 1.5140" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 1.508" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 1.5068" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 1.514" |
| SM2 Threading: Ø2" Lens Tubes, 60 mm Cage Systems | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 2.035"-40.0 UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 2.035"-40.0 UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 2.0338" | Min Major Diameter | 2.0350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 2.0287" | Min Pitch Diameter | 2.0188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 2.0176" | Max Pitch Diameter | 2.0239" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 2.0137" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 2.008" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 2.0067" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 2.014" |
| SM3 Threading: Ø3" Lens Tubes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 3.035"-40.0 UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 3.035"-40.0 UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 3.0337" | Min Major Diameter | 3.0350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 3.0286" | Min Pitch Diameter | 3.0188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 3.0175" | Max Pitch Diameter | 3.0242" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 3.0133" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 3.008" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 3.0066" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 3.014" |
| SM4 Threading: Ø4" Lens Tubes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 4.035"-40 UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 4.035"-40.0 UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 4.0337" | Min Major Diameter | 4.0350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 4.0286" | Min Pitch Diameter | 4.0188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 4.0175" | Max Pitch Diameter | 4.0245" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 4.0131" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) | 4.008" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 4.0066" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) | 4.014" |
Thorlabs offers several different general varieties of Polaris mounts, including kinematic side optic retention, SM-threaded, low optic distortion, piezo-actuated, vertical drive, and glue-in optic mounts, a fixed monolithic mirror mount and fixed optic mounts, XY translation mounts, 5-axis kinematic mount, and a kinematic platform mount. Refer to the tables below for our complete line of Polaris mounts, grouped by mount type, optic bore size, and then arranged by optic retention method and adjuster type (or intended application in the case of fixed mounts). We also offer a line of accessories that have been specifically designed for use with our Polaris mounts; these are listed in Table 103G. Note that the tables below list Item # suffixes that omit the "POLARIS" prefix for brevity. Click the photos below for details.
| Table 103A Polaris Mount Optic Retention Methods | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Lock | SM Threaded | Low Distortion | Glue-In |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Table 103B Polaris Mount Adjuster Types | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side Hole | Hex | Adjuster Knobs | Adjuster Lock Nuts |
Piezo Adjusters | Vertical-Drive Adjusters |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Table 103C Polaris Kinematic Mounts for Round Optics | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optic Retention Method | Side Lock | SM Threaded | Low Distortion | Glue-In |
| Ø1/2" Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | - | - | - | -K05C4 -K05G4 |
| 2 Hex Adjusters | -K05S1 | -K05T1 | -K05F1 | - |
| 2 Adjusters with Lock Nuts | -K05S2 | -K05T2 | -K05F2 | - |
| 2 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K05P2 | - | - | - |
| 2 Vertical Adjusters | -K05VS2 -K05VS2L |
- | - | - |
| 3 Hex Adjusters | -K05 | - | - | - |
| 3 Adjusters with Lock Nuts | - | -K05T6 | -K05F6 | - |
| 3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
- | -K05XY | - | - |
| Ø19 mm (3/4") Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K19S4 | - | -K19F4/M | -K19G4 |
| Ø25 mm Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K25S4/M | - | -K25F4/M | - |
| Ø1" Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K1S4 | - | - | -K1C4 -K1G4 |
| 2 Hex Adjusters | -K1E2 -K1-2AH |
-K1T2 | -K1F2 | - |
| 2 Adjuster Knobs | - | -K1T1 | -K1F1 | - |
| 2 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K1S2P | - | - | - |
| 2 Vertical Adjusters | -K1VS2 -K1VS2L |
- | - | - |
| 3 Side Hole Adjuster | -K1S5 | - | - | - |
| 3 Hex Adjusters | -K1E3 -K1-H |
-K1T3 | - | - |
| 3 Adjuster Knobs | -K1E -K1 |
-K1T | -K1F | - |
| 3 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K1S3P | - | - | - |
| 3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
- | -K1XY | - | - |
| Optic Retention Method | Side Lock | SM Threaded | Low Distortion | Glue-In |
| Ø1.5" Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K15S4 | - | -K15F4 | - |
| 2 Vertical Adjusters | -K15VS2 -K15VS2L |
- | - | - |
| 3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
- | -K15XY | - | - |
| Ø50 mm Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K50S4/M | - | -K50F4/M | - |
| Ø2" Optics | ||||
| 2 Hex Adjusters | -K2S2 | -K2T2 | -K2F2 | - |
| 2 Adjuster Knobs | -K2S1 | -K2T1 | -K2F1 | - |
| 2 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K2S2P | - | - | - |
| 2 Vertical Adjusters | -K2VS2 -K2VS2L |
- | - | - |
| 3 Hex Adjusters | -K2S3 | -K2T3 | -K2F3 | - |
| 3 Adjuster Knobs | -K2 | -K2T | -K2F | - |
| Ø3" Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K3S4 | - | - | - |
| 3 Side Hole Adjusters | -K3S5 | - | - | - |
| Ø4" Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | - | - | -K4F4 | - |
| Ø6" Optics | ||||
| 2 Side Hole Adjusters | - | - | -K6F4 | - |
| Table 103D Polaris XY Translation Mounts for Round Optics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optic Retention Method | SM Threaded | Representative Photos |
| Ø1/2" Optics |   |
|
| 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) | -05CXY | |
| -05XY | ||
| 3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
-K05XY | |
| Ø1" Optics | ||
| 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) | -1XY | |
| 3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
-K1XY | |
| Ø1.5" Optics | ||
| 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) & 3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) |
-K15XY | |
| Table 103E Polaris Fixed Mounts for Round Optics | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optic Retention Method | Side Lock | Low Distortion |
Glue-In | Representative Photos |
||
| Ø1/2" Optics |     |
|||||
| Optimized for Mirrors | - | -B05F | -C05G | |||
| Optimized for Beamsplitters | -B05S | - | -B05G | |||
| Optimized for Lenses | - | - | -L05G | |||
| Ø19 mm (Ø3/4") Optics | ||||||
| Optimized for Mirrors | -19S50/M | - | - | |||
| Ø1" Optics | ||||||
| Optimized for Mirrors | - | -B1F | -C1G | |||
| Optimized for Beamsplitters | -B1S | - | -B1G | |||
| Optimized for Lenses | - | - | -L1G | |||
| Ø2" Optics | ||||||
| Optimized for Mirrors | - | -B2F | -C2G | |||
| Optimized for Beamsplitters | -B2S | - | - | |||
| Table 103F Polaris Kinematic 1.8" x 1.8" Platform Mount | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optomech Retention Method | Tapped Holes & Counterbores |
 |
| 2 Adjuster Knobs | -K1M4(/M) | |
| Table 103G Accessories for Polaris Mounts | |
|---|---|
| Description | Representative Photos |
| Ø1/2" Posts for Polaris Mounts |  |
| Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mounts | |
| Non-Bridging Clamping Arms |  |
| 45° Mounting Adapter |  |
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Figure G1.1 Polaris mounts have two Ø2 mm dowel pin holes by each #8 (M4) counterbore for alignment.
- 3-Adjuster Hex-Driven Design with 130 TPI Matched Actuator/Body Pairs
- Designed for use with Ø1/2" Opticsa Up to 0.25" (6.4 mm) Thick or SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Components
- ±5° Mechanical Angular Range with ~11 mrad/rev Resolution
- Less than 2 µrad Deviation after 12.5 °C Temperature Cycling (See Test Data Tab)
- 1" Wide Compact Footprint
The POLARIS-K05T6 Kinematic Mirror Mount contains an SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) bore for mounting Ø1/2" optics up to 0.25" (6.4 mm) thick or other components, as shown in Figure G1.1. Kinematic adjustment is provided by three 130 TPI adjusters that are compatible with 5/64" hex keys; they may be adjusted with our HKTS-5/64 Hex Key Thumbscrew (sold below) or any other 5/64" (2 mm) hex wrench. The three-adjuster design provides tip and tilt plus Z-axis (optical axis) adjustment. Two-adjuster versions are also available below.
This mirror mount comes with three adjuster lock nuts that can be tightened by holding the adjuster with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key while tightening the lock nut by hand or with a 6 mm open-ended wrench. For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 24 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW6 preset torque wrench (sold below).
Two stainless steel retaining rings (included) are used to hold the mounted optic. Additional retaining rings (Item # POLARIS-SM05RR) can also be purchased separately. Post mounting is provided by two #8 (M4) counterbores. Due to the shallow design of the counterbores, low-profile 8-32 and M4 cap screws are included for mounting. Note that the 8-32 cap screw reduces the clear aperture to 0.39" (9.9 mm) and the M4 cap screw reduces it to 0.34" (8.6 mm). If the impact of the cap screws on the clear aperture is a concern, please contact Tech Support to discuss other mounting options. The 8-32 cap screw accepts a 5/64" (2 mm) hex wrench, while the M4 cap screw accepts a 2.5 mm hex wrench. For custom mounting configurations, Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located on both sides of each counterbore for setting a precise location and mounting angle. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended; see the Docs icon (
) below for details.
a. Please note that these mounts are designed for Ø1/2" optics and are not intended for use with the Ø12.5 mm metric mirror size.
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Figure G2.1 POLARIS-K05T2 Mount Features 2 Standard-Profile Adjusters and Lock Nuts and POLARIS-K05T1 Features 2 Low-Profile Adjusters
- 2-Adjuster Hex-Driven Design with 130 TPI Matched Actuator/Body Pairs
- Designed for use with Ø1/2" Opticsa Up to 0.25" (6.4 mm) Thick or SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Components
- Low-Profile or Standard-Profile Adjusters
- ±5° Mechanical Angular Range with ~11 mrad/rev Resolution
- Less than 2 µrad Deviation after 12.5 °C Temperature Cycling (See Test Data Tab)
- 1" Wide Compact Footprint
These 2-adjuster Ø1/2" Polaris Kinematic Mirror Mounts are similar to the standard 3-adjuster version sold above but feature a hardened steel ball in place of the third adjuster. The 2-adjuster design improves mount stability by limiting the available degrees of freedom for movement. An SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) bore allows for mounting Ø1/2" optics up to 0.25" (6.4 mm) thick or other SM05-threaded components.
For fitting into tight spaces, the POLARIS-K05T1 mount is equipped with low-profile hex adjusters that are 0.15" (3.8 mm) shorter than the adjusters on the
The POLARIS-K05T2 mount has standard-profile hex adjusters and includes two adjuster lock nuts that can be tightened by holding the adjuster with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key while tightening the lock nut by hand or with a 6 mm open-ended wrench. For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 24 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW6 preset torque wrench (sold below).
Two stainless steel retaining rings (included) are used to hold the mounted optic. Additional retaining rings (Item # POLARIS-SM05RR) can also be purchased separately. Post mounting is provided by two #8 (M4) counterbores. Due to the shallow design of the counterbores, low-profile 8-32 and M4 cap screws are included for mounting. Note that the 8-32 cap screw reduces the clear aperture to 0.39" (9.9 mm) and the M4 cap screw reduces it to 0.34" (8.6 mm). If the impact of the cap screws on the clear aperture is a concern, please contact Tech Support to discuss other mounting options. The 8-32 cap screw accepts a 5/64" (2 mm) hex wrench, while the M4 cap screw accepts a 2.5 mm hex wrench. For custom mounting configurations, Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located on both sides of each counterbore for setting a precise location and mounting angle. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended; see the Docs icon () below for details.
a. Please note that these mounts are designed for Ø1/2" optics and are not intended for use with the Ø12.5 mm metric mirror size.
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- For Convenient Adjustment of 5/64" and 2 mm Hex-Driven Actuators
- Red Anodized Adjustment Knob with Engraved Hex Size
- Replaceable Hex Tip
- Sold in Packages of 4
These 5/64" Hex Key Adjuster Thumbscrews allow for quick adjustment of many 5/64" and 2 mm hex-driven actuators (or standard actuators with the knobs removed). These temporary knobs can be left in the screw's hex socket between adjustments for convenience (see Figure 206A). An 8-32 setscrew (5/64" hex) secures the replaceable hex bit, which can be reversed if the tip is stripped. Contact Tech Support to order replacement hex key bits.
We offer hex key thumbscrews in sizes from 0.050" to 3/16" and 2 mm to 5 mm.
ZoomFigure 729B To install a lock nut without cross threading, gently place the lock nut against the end of the adjuster. "Unscrew" the nut until the threads of the nut and the adjuster align before threading the nut onto the adjuster. This animation shows the installation of a POLARIS-LN1 lock nut on a POLARIS-K1F1 low-distortion mount. To install the POLARIS-LN05 lock nut, a similar method can be used.
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Figure 729A POLARIS-LN05 Lock Nuts on a POLARIS-K19S4 Mount
- Provides Long Term Adjuster Stability
- Compatible with Select Polaris Mounts
- POLARIS-LN05 Lock Nut has 3/16"-130 Internal Threading
The POLARIS-LN05 Lock Nut is designed for use with Polaris kinematic mounts that have 3/16"-130 adjusters in applications that require long-term adjuster stability or setups that are exposed to shock and vibration; note that the lock nut should not be used with low-profile adjuster mounts. This lock nut is pre-greased with the same ultra-high-vacuum-compatible, low-outgassing PTFE grease as the Polaris mounts and has been tested for adjuster fit.
For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, this lock nut only needs to be lightly tightened by hand to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). If long term stability is required, the TW6 torque wrench below can be used to apply 24 oz-in (0.17 N·m) of torque to each lock nut. To avoid cross threading the lock nut, place it against the adjuster and "unscrew" the lock nut until you feel a slight drop; then thread the lock nut onto the adjuster.
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Figure 730B TW6 Torque Wrench Used to Secure POLARIS-LN05 Lock Nut on POLARIS-K05T2 Mirror Mount
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Figure 730A The TW6 wrench is engraved with its preset torque value and Item #.
- Preset 24 oz-in Wrench for POLARIS-LN05 Lock Nut
- Break-Over Design Ensures Proper Torque is Applied
- Ideal for Applications Requiring Long-Term Locking
- Hex Size: 6 mm
This torque wrench has a preset torque value to secure POLARIS-LN05 lock nuts on Polaris mounts for long-term locking; see Table 730C for specifications. When the preset torque value has been achieved, the break-over design will cause the pivoting joint to "break," as shown in Figure 730B. The wrench's hex head will move back into place once the force is removed. This design prevents further force from being applied to the lock nut. Engraved guidelines indicate the angle the wrench should pivot in order to apply the specified torque; pivoting the handle past these guidelines will over-torque the lock nut. The wrench is also engraved with its preset torque value, torque direction, wrench size, and Item # for easy identification in the field.
This wrench is designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum chamber applications. It is chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, it is assembled in a clean environment and double vacuum bagged to eliminate contamination when transported into a cleanroom. Finally, it is bead blasted to minimize reflections when working with setups that include lasers.
Please note that this wrench is not intended for use in applications where adjusters are frequently tuned, as these applications typically require torque values of 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m).
| Table 730C Specifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Torque | Torque Accuracy | Hex | Compatible Items |
| TW6 | 24 oz-in (0.17 N•m) | ±1.44 oz-in (0.010 N•m) | 6 mm | LN19100H 3/16"-100 Aluminum Lock Nut, POLARIS-LN05 3/16"-130 Stainless Steel Lock Nut |
 Ø1/2" SM05-Threaded Mounts, SS |