Products Home / Optomechanical Components / Optomechanical Mounts / Optical Mirror Mounts / Polaris® Mirror Mounts / Side Optic Retention Polaris Mirror Mounts / Polaris® Side Optic Retention Mount for Ø25 mm OpticsPolaris® Side Optic Retention Mount for Ø25 mm Optics
- Designed for Long-Term Stability
- Matched Actuator/Body Threading Minimizes Drift and Backlash
- Minimal Temperature-Dependent Hysteresis
- Sapphire Adjuster Seats Prevent Wear Over Time
POLARIS-K25S4/M
Ø25 mm Mirror Mount
Application Idea
Ø25 mm Mount with POLARIS-N5 Removable Adjuster Knobs on a Ø25 mm Post for Polaris Mounts
US Patent 10,101,559
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 | |
|---|---|
| Ø25 mm Polaris Mount | |
| Adjuster Knobs | |
| Side Hole Adjustment Tool | |
| Lock Nut | |
| Locking Collar | |
| Torque Wrench |
Features
- Machined from Heat-Treated Stainless Steel with Low Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTE)
- 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 1 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
- Patented Optic Bore Design with Monolithic Flexure Arm
Polaris® Low-Drift Kinematic Mirror Mounts are the ultimate solution for applications requiring stringent long-term alignment stability.
Optic Retention
This Polaris mirror mount features a patented optic bore design with a monolithic flexure arm to hold the optic. This design provides high holding force and pointing stability while allowing quick and easy installation of the optic. For more details, please see the Test Data tab.
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 the Ø25 mm mount is used with Ø1" optics or optics that have an outer diameter tolerance greater than zero. To view our Polaris mounts designed for Ø1" optics, click here.
| Polaris® Side Optic Retention Mounts Selection Guide |
|---|
| Ø1/2" Optic Mounts |
| Ø19 mm Optic Mount |
| Ø25 mm Optic Mount |
| Ø1" Optic Mounts |
| Ø1.5" Optic Mount |
| Ø50 mm Optic Mount |
| Ø2" Optic Mounts |
| Ø3" Optic Mounts |
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. The Ø25 mm mount also includes Ø2 mm alignment pin holes around the mounting counterbore, allowing for precision alignments when paired with our posts for Polaris mirror mounts. See the Usage Tips tab for more recommendations about mounting configurations.
Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
The POLARIS-K25S4/M is designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. See the Specs tab and the Design Features tab for details.
| Item # | POLARIS-K25S4/M |
|---|---|
| Optic Sizea | Ø25.0 mm (0.98") |
| Optic Thickness (Min) | 3.5 mm (0.14") |
| Number of Adjusters | Two |
| Adjuster Drive | 5/64" Hex, Ø0.07" Side Adjustment Holes |
| Adjuster Pitch | 100 TPI |
| Actuator Matching | Matched Actuator/Body Pairs |
| Measured Point-to-Point Mechanical Resolution per Adjuster (Bidirectional Repeatability) |
5 µrad (Typical); 2 µrad (Achievable) |
| Adjustment per Revolutionb | ~7.7 mrad/rev |
| Front Plate Translation (Max) | N/A |
| Mechanical Angular Range (Nominal) | ±4° |
| Front Plate Separation at Pivot Adjuster | 3.175 mm |
| Beam Deviationc After Thermal Cycling | <1 μrad |
| Recommended Optic Mounting Torqued | 5 - 7 oz-in (0.035 - 0.049 N·m) for 6 mm Thick Optics |
| Mounting | Two #8 (M4) Counterbores |
| Alignment Pin Holes | Two at Each Counterboree |
| Vacuum Compatibilityf | 10-9 Torr at 25 °C with Proper Bake Out 10-5 Torr at 25 °C without Bake Out Grease Vapor Pressure: 10-13 Torr at 20 °C; 10-5 Torr at 200 °C 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. Thermal Shock testing confirms the exceptional stability of the mounts and demonstrates that they reliably return to their initial position after a transient temperature shift. Interferometric wavefront distortion testing demonstrates the ability of Polaris mounts to secure an optic without significantly distorting the optical surface.
Video 3.1 Vibration Testing for Polaris Mounts
Vibration Testing
Purpose: This testing was done to determine how reliably Polaris mirror mounts behave when subjected to intense physical vibrations.
Procedure: A pair of identical POLARIS-K19S4 mirror mounts were mounted on Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts and secured to a stainless steel breadboard with POLARIS-CA1 clamping arms. Laser beams were reflected from the mirrors onto two position sensing detectors, located on the same breadboard. The entire platform was vibrated with a variable frequency and amplitude and the displacement of the beam on the detector was recorded. The two beam paths were oriented at right angles so that the vibrational motion was in a direction parallel to the face of one mount and perpendicular to the face of the other. Please see Video 3.1 for a demonstration of our Polaris vibration test.
Results: When subjected to vibrational frequencies as high as 100 Hz and accelerations as high as 6 g, the POLARIS-K19S4 mounts remained mechanically sound. The angular position of the mounts remained stable within about 10 µrad for both parallel and perpendicular vibrations.
Conclusions: Our POLARIS-K19S4 Ø19 mm Polaris mirror mounts provide exceptional performance, even under rugged operating conditions. As a result, these mounts are ideal for use in systems that require the greatest degree of stability when vibrational noise is expected. The Ø25 mm Polaris mount can be expected to perform similarly to the Ø19 mm mount.
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: After mounting the Polaris to a Ø25 mm Post, the mirror and post assembly was secured to a stainless steel optical table in a temperature-controlled environment. The mirror was held using the flexure mechanism; see the Usage Tips tab for additional mounting recommendations. A beam from an independently temperature-stabilized laser diode was reflected by the mirror onto a position sensing detector. The temperature of each mirror mount tested was raised to 39 °C. The elevated temperature was maintained in order to soak the mount at a constant temperature. Then the temperature of the mirror mount was returned to the starting temperature. The results of these tests are shown in Figures 3.2 and 3.3.
Results: As can be seen in Figures 3.2 and 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 1 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 1 µrad of its initial position.
For Comparison: To get a 1 µrad change in the mount’s position, the 100 TPI adjuster on the POLARIS-K25S4/M Ø25 mm Polaris mount needs to be rotated by only 0.05° (1/7200 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 6 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 3.2 Thermal Repeatability for Ø25 mm Polaris Mirror Mounts
Click to Enlarge
Figure 3.3 This plot shows the final angular position of the POLARIS-K25S4/M for 10 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.
Optical Distortion Testing Using a ZYGO Phase-Shifting Interferometer
Mounting stresses are responsible for the strain that results in optical surface distortion. Minimizing distortion effects is crucial; any distortion to the optic affects the reflected wavefront. Our Ø19 mm, Ø25 mm, and Ø2" Polaris mounts, as well as select Ø1" Polaris mounts, feature a monolithic flexure arm that is designed to provide maximum stability while minimizing optic distortion.
To determine the amount of optic distortion exerted on the mirror by the flexure arm, a ZYGO Phase-Shifting Interferometer was used to measure the wavefront distortion at different torque values (see Figure 3.4). Based on results of the tests seen in Table 3.5, we recommend a torque of 5 - 7 oz-in for our Ø25 mm Polaris mount, at which the optic wavefront distortion is ≤0.1λ.
Please note that the optimal optic mounting torque can vary by ±1 oz-in due to variations in optic diameter and tolerance buildup.
Procedure:
A broadband dielectric mirror was installed into a Polaris mount using the setscrew to clamp down the flexure arm. Measurements of the optic distortion were then recorded using the ZYGO interferometer. Once each measurement was complete, the amount of force needed to push the optic out of the mount was measured to check optic retention. The wavefront distortion values shown here give peak-to-valley distortion across the entire optic, representing the worst-case scenario; the center of the optic exhibits significantly less distortion than the edge.
Results:
As seen in Table 3.5, the peak-to-valley wavefront distortion was found to be ≤0.1λ when 5 - 7 oz-in of torque was applied to the setscrew of the mount.
| Table 3.5 Setscrew Torques | ||
|---|---|---|
| Torque (oz-in)a | Push-Out Force (lbf)b | Wavefront Distortion (Peak to Valley)c (Click for Example Zygo Screenshot) |
| 4.5 | >12 | 0.072λ to 0.093λ |
| 5 | 0.047λ to 0.090λ | |
| 5.5 | 0.057λ to 0.097λ | |
| 6 | 0.085λ to 0.100λ | |
| 6.5 | 0.057λ to 0.073λ | |
| 7 | 0.059λ to 0.067λ | |
| 7.5 | 0.083λ to 0.092λ | |
| 8 | 0.128λ to 0.145λ | |
| 8.5 | 0.102λ to 0.117λ | |
| 9 | 0.141λ to 0.162λ | |
| 10 | 0.188λ to 0.224λ | |
Click to Enlarge
Figure 3.4 Wavefront Distortion for Setscrew Torque of
7 oz-in (See Table 3.5 for Other Setscrew Torques)
Click to Enlarge
Figure 4.1 Details of the Polaris Side Optic Retention Design
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, 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; this Polaris mount offers excellent performance without the use of adhesives. Instead, it uses a monolithic flexure arm to hold the edge of the optic. The monolithic design is less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and induces less distortion on the optic surface than a simple setscrew retention design.
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 of the ball of each actuator. 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 or bushings that exceed all industry standards so very little adjuster lubricant is needed. As a result, alignment of the Polaris mounts is extremely stable even after being adjusted (see the Test Data tab for more information). In addition, these adjusters have a smooth feel that allows the user to make small, repeatable adjustments.
Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
The POLARIS-K25S4/M is designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum 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 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 to Enlarge
Figure 5.2 A POLARIS-K05 mount can be mounted to a surface using a Ø1" Post for Polaris Mirror Mounts and a Polaris Clamping Arm. Using a 1.50" long post, the optical axis is 2.0" above the table surface.
Click to Enlarge
Figure 5.1 At zero torque, the sample mirror's flatness was λ/10 over the clear aperture (λ = 633 nm). The shaded region in this plot denotes the recommended optic mounting torque for a 6 mm thick optic in the POLARIS-K25S4/M. At higher mounting torque values, the optic distortion increases dramatically.
Click to Enlarge
Figure 5.3 POLARIS-K1E Mounted Directly to Breadboard using 1/4"-20 to 8-32 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 Ø25 mm Posts for Polaris Mirror Mounts and Polaris Clamping Arm.
Use a Wide Post
The Polaris' performance is optimized for use with our Ø25 mm Posts and our
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. We recommend using a torque wrench when installing an optic in the Polaris mounts. Over torquing the flexure-spring optic retainer can result in dramatic surface distortions (see Figure 5.1).
Front Plate’s Position
The Ø25 mm Polaris mount is designed to allow adjustments of up to 8°. To achieve the best performance, it is recommended that the front plate be kept as close to parallel to the back plate as possible. 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 1/4"-20 to 8-32 thread adapter (AE8E25E) or M6 x 1.0 to M4 x 0.7 adapter (AE4M6M). For direct mounting, Polaris mounts must have the bottom two knobs removed, as shown in Figure 5.3. By doing so, 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.
Use Polaris-Specific Adjustment Tools
We offer stainless steel knobs for most of our Polaris adjusters, either included with the mount or available separately. For Polaris mounts with side hole adjusters, we recommend using the SA1 Side Hole Adjustment Tool, which features a precision-fit tip designed for the side holes to allow backlash-free adjustment. The stainless steel material is chemically cleaned for use in clean setups. For securing adjuster lock nuts on these Polaris mounts, we recommend using the TW13 torque wrench below, which is designed to ensure proper torque is applied to the lock nuts for long-term locking. These wrenches are chemically cleaned and compatible with cleanroom and vacuum chamber applications.
Not Recommended
We do not recommend taking the adjusters out of the back plate, 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. Finally, do not over tighten the setscrew on the monolithic optic retention arm; only slight force is required to secure the optic in place.
| Posted Comments: | |
user
(posted 2022-08-16 11:27:15.92) Could you please supply information on the set screw size for holding the optic in? I have several of these mounts where these have been accidentally lost. jdelia
(posted 2022-08-22 01:10:00.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The locking set screw for the POLARIS-K25S4/M is a 1/4" long 4-40 threaded set screw. I have contacted you directly regarding the remainder of the screw's specifications. Shashank Kumar
(posted 2022-07-27 23:08:52.477) Dear Thorlabs,
Recently, we bought a POLARIS-K25S4/M mirror mount from Thorlabs. It is supposed to be used for holding a 25 mm mirror, but the 25 mm mirror is not fitting in it. jdelia
(posted 2022-08-04 10:28:25.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We have contacted you to solve your issue. FYI, we have already pulled all component and finished goods to ensure that all finished goods meet specifications. 100% passed the optic bore diameter inspection. user
(posted 2021-07-20 14:42:03.65) Hi,
I have been requesting Polaris XY mount since last few years. Also requested in every trade show.
I don't know why Thorlabs is not prioritizing to expand Polaris product line besides "Mirror Mounts"?
I loved Polaris-K1 since it launched back in 2009 and the stability and performance it provides it's outstanding.
Please Please Please provide Polaris XY mount like CXY1. tmorgus
(posted 2021-07-21 08:57:35.0) Hello, this is Tyler the business unit leader for the mechanics group. We've been working on an XY mount on and off for a few years but haven't released a product because the various designs prototyped didn't meet the performance standards that we set for a Polaris product. However, we currently have a 5 axis mount (includes XY) in the final phases of testing that meets or exceeds our performance requirements. We expect to release this mount in the next 3 months and will work to build out a complete line of options in the next year. |
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 |  |
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Figure G1.1 Methods of Adjusting the POLARIS-K25S4/M Ø25 mm Mount:
A: 5/64" or 2.0 mm Hex Key in the End of the Adjuster
B: SA1 Tool Through Adjuster Side Holes
C: POLARIS-N5 Removable Knobs on the Adjuster
D: HKTS-5/64 Hex Knobs with 1/16" or 1.5 mm Balldriver Through Side Hole for Fine Adjustment
- 2 Hex Adjusters with Side Holes (See Figure G1.1)
- Designed for use with Ø25 mm Optics
- 100 TPI Matched Actuator/Body Pairs
- ±4° Mechanical Angular Range
- ~7.7 mrad/rev Resolution
- Less than 1 µrad Deviation after Temperature Cycling (See the Test Data Tab for Details)
- Monolithic Flexure Arm for Minimal Optic Distortion and Improved Optic Holding Stability (See the Test Data Tab for Details)
This 2-adjuster Ø25 mm Polaris Kinematic Mirror Mount is designed to provide easy high-resolution adjustment and long-term alignment stability. The mount features a monolithic flexure arm that can be actuated using the included screw and a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key. The monolithic flexure arm design keeps wavefront distortion on the mounted optic to a minimum while providing an optic retention force that is much stronger than the force provided by our other Ø1" Polaris mounts that use a setscrew and flexure spring design, as shown in the Test Data tab. The 2-adjuster design improves mount stability by limiting the available degrees of freedom for movement. The monolithic front plate and stiffer springs used in the construction of this mount provide enhanced stability and make it an ideal solution for OEM applications that require reliable operation in rugged environments.
The 100 TPI adjusters feature three Ø0.07" through holes that allow for actuation from the side using our precision-fit SA1 Side Hole Adjustment Tool (sold below) or a 1/16" (1.5 mm) balldriver or hex key. Each adjuster also has a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex and may be adjusted with the hex on the end of the SA1, our HKTS-5/64 Hex Key Thumbscrews (sold below), or any other 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex wrench. Alternatively, POLARIS-N5 removable, low-profile adjustment knobs (sold below) can be threaded onto the adjusters for improved feel in fine-resolution adjustments; note that the removable knobs will block the adjuster side holes but not the hex. The adjusters on this mount can be locked using the POLARIS-LN1 lock nuts or POLARIS-LNS1 locking collar (sold separately below). For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nut or locking collar only needs 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 32 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW13 preset torque wrench (sold below).
Post mounting is provided by two #8 (M4) counterbores. For custom mounting configurations, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located on each mounting face for setting a precise location and mounting angle. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (click on the red documents icon below for details).
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Figure 613B POLARIS-K1C4 Mount with Optic and Optional POLARIS-N5 Removable Knobs
| Table 613A Compatible Mounts |
|---|
| POLARIS-K25S4/M POLARIS-K25F4/M POLARIS-K1C4 POLARIS-K1G4 POLARIS-K1S4 POLARIS-K1S5 POLARIS-K15S4 POLARIS-K15F4 POLARIS-K50S4/M POLARIS-K50F4/M POLARIS-K2VS2 POLARIS-K2VS2L |
- For Convenient Adjustment of 1/4"-100 Adjusters
- Attaches Directly to Adjuster Threading
- Sold Individually
The Polaris® Removable Knobs for 1/4"-100 Adjusters allows the user to adjust a Polaris kinematic mirror mount by hand. The knobs can be used with select Polaris mounts, listed in Table 613A. Note that when the knobs are used with any of these mounts, they will block the side through holes on the adjuster. The adjuster screw's 5/64" (2 mm) hex socket is still usable when the knobs are attached.
The knobs are made from chemically cleaned and heat-treated 303 stainless steel that provides vacuum compatibility down to 10-9 Torr at 25 °C with proper bake out (10-5 Torr at 25 °C without bake out).
Zoom
- 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.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Figure 658A The SA1 tool can be used to adjust a POLARIS-K1S4 mount using the side holes (left) or rear hex (right).
- Ø0.07" Precision-Fit Tip for Side Holes on Polaris Adjusters
- 5/64" (2.0 mm) Hex on Handle
- Magnetic, Chemically Cleaned Stainless Steel
The Side Hole Adjustment Tool features a Ø0.07" precision-fit tip designed for Polaris mounts with side hole adjusters. The handle features a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex allowing the SA1 to act as a small knob, and the central nut is compatible with a 6.0 mm wrench allowing for a longer lever arm. The precision-fit tip minimizes backlash during adjustments and the depth stop allows the tool to rest securely in a side hole between adjustments. On Ø25 mm mirror mounts and larger, the 1.62" length allows the tool to adjust the actuator 360° without interfering with the other adjuster on the back of the mount.
The SA1 is made of chemically cleaned, hardened, super alloy stainless steel for durability and compatibility with clean environments. The tool is also magnetic allowing it to be easily retrieved from tight or sensitive setups using a magnet.
ZoomVideo 591A 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
- Provides Long Term Adjuster Stability
- Compatible with Select Polaris Mounts
- 0.08" (1.9 mm) Thick
- 13 mm Hex Can Be Tightened with Thin-Head or Cone Wrench
This lock nut is compatible with Polaris mounts that have 1/4"-100 adjusters, excluding the piezo-driven mounts, mounts with low-profile adjusters (Item #s POLARIS-K1E3, and POLARIS-K1E2), and vertically driven mounts (Item #s POLARIS-K1VS2 and POLARIS-K1VS2L). Designed for long-term adjuster stability or applications that are exposed to shock and vibration, the 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, 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). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 32 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW13 preset torque wrench (sold below). POLARIS-LN1 lock nuts have a 13 mm hex. 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.
Zoom- Provides Long-Term Adjuster Stability
- Compatible with Select Polaris Mounts
- Low Profile: Ø0.33" (Ø8.4 mm) x 0.08" (1.9 mm) Thick
- Tighten Along Rotational Axis Using the POLARIS-T2 Spanner Wrench
This locking collar is compatible with Polaris mounts that have 1/4"-100 adjusters, excluding the piezo-driven mounts and mounts with low-profile adjusters. Designed for long-term adjuster stability or applications that are exposed to shock and vibration, these locking collars are pre-greased with the same ultra-high-vacuum-compatible, low-outgassing PTFE grease as the Polaris mounts and have been tested for adjuster fit.
The POLARIS-T2 spanner wrench has been specifically designed for use in securing the POLARIS-LNS1 locking collar. The double spanner head enables complete engagement while the design allows locking collar adjustments to be along the same line as the adjuster itself. A center through hole allows a 2 mm ball driver to pass through the spanner wrench, so that the adjuster can be held in position while the locking collar is engaged.
For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the locking collar only needs 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 32 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW13 preset torque wrench (sold below) in combination with the POLARIS-T2 spanner wrench. To avoid cross threading the locking collar, place it against the adjuster and "unscrew" the collar until you feel a slight drop; then thread the collar onto the adjuster.
Zoom
Click for Details
Figure 677B TW13 Torque Wrench Used to Secure POLARIS-LN1 Lock Nut on POLARIS-K2S2 Mirror Mount
Click to Enlarge
Figure 677A The TW13 wrench is engraved with its preset torque value and item #.
- 13 mm Hex for Use with POLARIS-LN1 Lock Nut and POLARIS-T2 Spanner Wrench, as well as POLARIS-LN4 Lock Nut
- Preset Torque Value of 32 oz-in (0.23 N•m)
- Break-Over Design Ensures Proper Torque is Applied
- Ideal for Applications Requiring Long-Term Locking
This torque wrench has a preset torque value of 32 oz-in for use with the
POLARIS-LN1 lock nut used on Polaris® mounts as well as the POLARIS-T2 spanner wrench. The wrench is also compatible with the POLARIS-LN4 lock nut. When the preset torque value has been achieved, the break-over design will cause the pivoting joint to "break," as shown in Figure 677B. 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. The wrench has a bead blasted finish to minimize reflections when working with setups that include lasers.
Please note that these wrenches are 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).
Ø25 mm Side Optic Retention Mount, SS
