SM2-Compatible Kinematic Mounts

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KM200T Shown with a PIAK10 Piezoelectric Inertia Actuator

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KM200T with Dichroic Mirror and Color-Coded Knobs Mounted on a Ø1/2" Post

• SM2-Threaded Mount for Ø2" Optics up to 0.10" (2.5 mm) Thick
• Optics Held with Retaining Rings
• Angular Range: ±3°
• Resolution: 5 mrad (0.3°) per rev via Two 1/4"-80 TPI Precision Adjusters
• Six Counterbored #8 (M4) Through Holes Allow for Left- or Right-Handed Orientation
• Removable Knobs Expose Hex Sockets in Adjuster Screws
• Ø2" Lens Tube Compatible via SM2 Threading

The KM200T SM2-Threaded Kinematic Mirror Mount is designed for use with thin Ø2" optics up to 0.10" (2.5 mm) thick. An optic is secured in the mounting hole with the two included SM2RR SM2 (2.035"-40) threaded retaining rings, which can be attached with the SPW604 spanner wrench. This mount is also compatible with SM2-threaded components, including our Ø2" Lens Tubes.

The universal KM200T is compatible with both imperial and metric threaded Ø1/2" mounting posts via #8 (M4) counterbored through holes, and can be attached to the post in either a right- or left-handed orientation. The mount has removable knobs which expose hex sockets in the lead adjuster screws. An optional accessory, the LN2580 bronze locking nut, is available to lock the adjusters once the desired position is reached.

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A Ø2" Lens Tube Threaded into the KS2T

• Internally SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) for Ø2" Lens Tube Compatibility
• Mounts Thin Ø2" Optics up to 0.10" (2.5 mm) Thick via Included Retaining Rings
• Angular Range: ±4°
• Three lockable 1/4"-80 Precision Adjusters Provide 8 mrad (0.5°) of Travel per Revolution
• Six Counterbored #8 (M4) Through Holes Allow for Left-Handed or Right-Handed Orientation
• Removable Knobs Expose Hex Sockets in the Adjuster Screws

The KS2T mirror mount uses a retaining ring for stress-free mounting of a thin optical component. An optic is secured in the mounting hole with the two included SM2RR SM2 (2.035"-40) threaded retaining rings, which can be attached using the SPW604 spanner wrench. This threading also allows the mount to be compatible with Ø2" lens tubes, as shown in the image to the right. This mount incorporates a thicker back plate than our two adjuster mirror mount, sold above, thereby providing increased stability. In addition to the increased mass of the mount, stiffer springs and hardened inserts at all contact points have been utilized to enhance the overall performance.

The KS2T is universal, making it compatible with both imperial and metric threaded Ø1/2" mounting posts via a #8 (M4) counterbored through hole, and can be attached to the post in a right-handed or left-handed orientation. The mount has removable knobs that expose hex sockets in the lead adjuster screws. The KS2T features three 1/4"-80 TPI, lockable adjusters that allow the ±4° adjustment range to be altered by translating the front plate of the mirror mount. The spacing between the front and back plate must be 0.120" (3.05 mm) for the adjustment range to be symmetric (i.e., ±4°). When using all three adjusters, a maximum Z translation of 0.25" (6.4 mm) can be achieved.

• Combines Kinematic Angular Adjustment with Rotation in One Mount
• Two 1/4"-80 Lockable Stainless Steel Adjusters with Removable Knobs and Brass Bushings for Smooth Adjustments
• Four #8 (M4) Counterbored Mounting Holes Allow Left-Handed or Right-Handed Orientations
• Engraved Rotation Scale with 2° Graduations Provides 360° Rotation
• SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) Rotation Ring with Locking Screw

The KS2RS is designed to hold Ø2" (50.8 mm) optics in situations where it is necessary to control the tip/tilt position as well as the rotation of the optic. This mount is ideal for polarization optics such as linear polarizers or wave plates. In addition, our mounted dove prisms with SM2 threading may also be mounted in the KS2RS to change the orientation of the rotated image. The KS2RS features an SM2-threaded bore capable of mounting Ø2" optics up to 0.47" (12.0 mm) thick using the included SM2RR retaining ring. Additionally, SM2 lens tubes may be threaded onto the mount to accomodate thicker optics.

Thorlabs' Kinematic Rotation Mounts combine the features of our Precision Kinematic Mirror Mounts and Manual Rotation Mounts, providing continuous 360° rotational adjustment and ±4° kinematic tip/tilt adjustment. These mounts are therefore ideal for holding optics with rotational asymmetry, such as polarization optics or round cylindrical lenses.

The rotation of the mount may be locked in position with a locking screw. The locking screw is activated using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. The kinematic adjustment is provided by two 1/4"-80 adjusters with brass bushings to provide smooth adjustment. Each adjuster may be locked with a locking screw using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key.

Please note that while this mount is designed to hold Ø2" optics, the mount uses the same form factor as the KS3 Ø3" mirror mount in order to incorporate the rotation ring.

If higher adjustment resolution or control is desired, the 1/4"-80 adjusters used in these mounts can be switched with DAS110 or DM22 Differential Adjusters.  

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Rear View of the K5X2 Kinematic Mount

• Five Adjustment Axes with Locks
  • Kinematic Pitch/Yaw: ±3° with 4.6 mrad/rev
  • X and Y Translation: ±2.0 mm with 254 µm/rev
  • Z Translation^a: ±0.15" (±3.8 mm) with 318 µm/rev
• SM2-Threaded Bore for Ø2" (50.8 mm) Optics up to 0.42" (10.7 mm) Thick
• Two Sets of Three #8 (M4) Counterbores at 90° for Post Mounting

The K5X2 5-Axis Kinematic Optic Mount has an optic cell that can be adjusted along 5 axes (pitch, yaw, and XYZ), with a locking screw on each axis for stability. The translating cell has SM2 (2.035"-40) internal threading for attaching Ø2" mounted optics. The cell can also be used to mount Ø2" unmounted optics up to 0.42" (10.7 mm) thick using the included SM2RR Retaining Ring, which can be tightened using the SPW604 Spanner Wrench (sold separately). The mount features engraved vertical and horizontal tick marks to use as an alignment aid for the mounting cell. For post mounting the K5X2 kinematic mount in a right- or left-handed configuration, two orthogonal sets of three #8 (M4) counterbores (six total) are provided. 

A 5/64" hex key or ball driver (not included) can be used to adjust the five axes of the kinematic mount. Three 1/4"-80 adjuster screws with removable knobs for pitch, yaw, and z-axis adjustment can be locked with a 5/64" hex key. The X and Y axes are adjusted with two 3/16"-100 adjuster screws and can be locked with the included 0.035" hex key. If higher adjustment resolution or control is desired for the K5X2 mount, the three 1/4"-80 adjusters can be switched with DAS110 or DM22 Differential Adjusters.

For more information on our 5-axis kinematic mounts, including a Ø1/2" and Ø1" version, see our full web presentation.

1. Z-axis translation is accomplished by turning all three tip/tilt adjusters equally in the same direction.

• Six Adjustment Axes with Locks
  • Kinematic Pitch/Yaw: ±2° at 3.6 mrad/rev
  • X and Y Translation: ±2 mm at 254 µm/rev
  • Z Translation^a: ±0.13" (±3.2 mm) at 318 µm/rev
  • Continuous 360° Roll Control with 1° Graduations
• Independent X, Y, and Roll Adjustment
• SM2-Threaded Bore for Ø2" (50 mm) Optics up to 0.53" (13.4 mm) Thick
• Six #8 (M4) Counterbores for Post Mounting

The K6X2 6-Axis Kinematic Optic Mount is designed as a general-purpose, high-precision positioner. The optic cell can be translated along or rotated about 6 axes, and each axis has a locking screw for stability. The mount uses 1/4"-80 adjuster screws for pitch, yaw, and z-axis adjustment, and 3/16"-100 adjuster screws for x- and y-axis adjustment.

The translating cell has SM2 (2.035"-40) threading for attaching Ø2" lens tubes or mounting Ø2" (50 mm) optics up to 0.53" (13.4 mm) thick using the included SM2RR Retaining Ring, which can be tightened using an SPW604 Spanner Wrench (sold separately). In testing, the X and Y axes of the K6X2 caused less than ±35 µm of crosstalk. If higher adjustment resolution is desired for pitch, yaw, or z-translation, the three 1/4"-80 adjusters can be replaced with DAS110 Differential Adjusters.  

For more information on our 6-axis kinematic mounts, including versions for Ø1/2" and Ø1" optics, see our full web presentation.

• Z-axis translation is accomplished by turning all three tip/tilt adjusters equally in the same direction.

• ±3º Angular Rotation
• Compatible with 60 mm Cage System
• Maximum Optic Thickness: 0.20" (5.0 mm)
• Post-Mountable With a #8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole

The KC2T(/M) mount offers three adjusters with independently locking setscrews. The rugged mechanical design provides excellent stability when mounted in a cage system or on a post. Both the front and rear plates have been machined with four clearance holes designed for direct compatibility with our 60 mm cage system standards. The rear plate provides locking setscrews to clamp to cage rods for secure positioning. The cage rod holes in the front plate are sufficiently oversized to allow ±3° tip and tilt without interference with the rods.

The KC2T(/M) mount has an SM2 (2.035"-40) center tap for mounting optics and is compatible with our SM2 Lens Tubes and related accessories. Two SM2RR Retaining Rings are included with the KC2T(/M) mount and can be used to mount a Ø2" optic up to 0.20" (5.0 mm). Thicker optics can be mounted by using an SM2-series lens tube.

• Eight 4-40 Tapped Holes to Mate with 60 mm Cage Systems
• Mounts Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics at a 45° Angle to the Optical Axis
• Provides ±4º Kinematic Tip and Tilt Adjustment
• Compatible with SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) Lens Tubes
• Post Mountable:
  • KCB2: One 8-32 Tap and One 1/4"-20 Tap (for Ø1/2" and Ø1" Posts)
  • KCB2/M: One M4 Tap and One M6 Tap (for Ø1/2" and Ø1" Posts)

The KCB2(/M) Right-Angle Kinematic Cage Mount provides kinematic tip and tilt adjustment of a Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) optic held in a mounting plate with a mean horizontal position at a 45° angle. The ports are equipped with SM2-threaded (2.035"-40) bores. The KCB2(/M) has eight 4-40 tapped holes spaced to mate with our 60 mm cage systems. ERSCB ER Rod Adapters are necessary to effectively connect, adjust, and lock two of these right angle cage mounts together within the cage system. The ±4° kinematic tip and tilt adjustment plate is actuated with three 100 TPI (Threads per Inch) adjustment screws for smooth, high-resolution movement of 0.01" (0.254 mm) per rotation. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver.

A nylon-tipped setscrew is used to secure Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) optics using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mounts' rear-loading, double-bored hole. The rear loading design does not limit the maximum thickness of the mounted optic and the mounted optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. The minimum thickness for optics that can be secured by these mounts is 0.24" (6 mm).

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KCB2C Mount with an Attached SM2L20 Lens Tube. The Mount Holds a BB2-E02 Broadband Dielectric Mirror.

• Eight Smooth Bore Holes to Mate with 60 mm Cage Systems
• Mounts Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics at a 45° Angle to the Optical Axis
• Provides ±4º Kinematic Tip and Tilt Adjustment
• Compatible with SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) Lens Tubes
• Post Mountable:
  • KCB2C: One 8-32 Tap and One 1/4"-20 Tap (for Ø1/2" and Ø1" Posts)
  • KCB2C/M: One M4 Tap and One M6 Tap (for Ø1/2" and Ø1" Posts)

The KCB2C(/M) Right-Angle Kinematic Cage Mount provides kinematic tip and tilt adjustment of a Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) optic held in a mounting plate with a mean horizontal position at a 45° angle. The ports are equipped with SM2-threaded (2.035"-40) bores and smooth bore holes spaced to mate with our 60 mm cage system standard. The cage rods are secured by setscrews using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. This design allows multiple 60 mm cage components to be directly interfaced without the need for ERSCB ER Rod Adapters. The ±4° kinematic tip and tilt adjustment plate is actuated with three 100 TPI (Threads per Inch) adjustment screws for smooth, high-resolution movement of 0.01" (0.254 mm) per rotation. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver.

A nylon-tipped setscrew is used to secure Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) optics using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mounts' rear-loading, double-bored hole. When used with transmissive optics, two clearance cuts around this hole provide a Ø1.26" (Ø32.0 mm) nominal clear aperture for any transmitted light. The rear loading design does not limit the maximum thickness of the mounted optic and the mounted optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. The minimum thickness for optics that can be secured by these mounts is 0.24" (6 mm).

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The mirror is locked in place by a swing arm and nylon-tipped setscrew. The adjuster knobs feature side holes for fine adjustments.

• Mounts 2" (50.8 mm) Elliptical Optics at a 45° Angle to the Optical Axis
• Eight 0.195" (5.0 mm) Deep Smooth Bore Holes for ER Cage Rods
• Provides ±3º Kinematic Pitch and Yaw Adjustment
• Z-Axis Translation Using All Three Adjusters: ±0.12" (±3.0 mm)
• 60 mm Cage System and SM2 (2.035"-40) Compatible
• Post Mountable:
  • KCB2EC: One 8-32 Tap and One 1/4"-20 Tap (for Ø1/2" and Ø1" Posts)
  • KCB2EC/M: One M4 Tap and One M6 Tap (for Ø1/2" and Ø25.0 mm Posts)

The KCB2EC(/M) Right-Angle Kinematic Cage Mount provides kinematic pitch and yaw adjustment of a 2" (50.8 mm) elliptical optic held in a mounting plate with a nominal horizontal position at a 45° angle. The ports are equipped with SM2-threaded (2.035"-40) bores and four 0.195" (5.0 mm) deep smooth bore holes spaced to mate with our 60 mm cage system standard.

The ±3° kinematic pitch and yaw adjustment plate is actuated with three 100 TPI (threads per inch) adjustment screws that provide angular resolution of 4.5 mrad/rev. The pitch and yaw adjusters include removable knobs with Ø5/64" (Ø2 mm) side holes for fine adjustments, while the third adjuster must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. While the optic face is nominally centered within the mount, the third adjuster can be used for fine tuning the position along the optical axis.

A nylon-tipped setscrew mounted on a swing arm is used to secure 2" (50.8 mm) elliptical optics using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mount's rear-loading, double-bored hole. Note that the setscrew should only be finger tight to avoid distorting the optic. Please note that this mount is compatible only with 2" elliptical optics that are 0.47" (12 mm) thick. Our selection of dielectric and metallic elliptical mirrors are compatible with this mount.