SM Series Threading Specifications

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The SM05T1 is an internally threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded SM05 components. It is designed to directly mate two of our SM05-threaded standard lens tubes.

The SM05T2 coupler features external SM05 threading (0.535"-40), which enables the coupling of two components with internal SM05 threads. It ships with two SM05NT locking rings, which can be used to lock the position of an externally threaded SM05 component.

Additional locking rings (Item # SM05NT) can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any SM05 components. The use of multiple locking rings is particularly desirable in situations where you have two components with preferential relative directions, such as when using crossed polarizers.

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• SM1T1: Internal Threads Enable Coupling of Two Components with External SM1 Series Threads
• SM1T2, SM1T10, SM1T20, SM1T40: External Threads Enable Coupling of Two Components with Internal SM1 Series Threads, Includes Two SM1NT Locking Rings
• SM1NT: Locking Ring to Secure Components with the SM1T2, SM1T10, SM1T20, and SM1T40

The SM1T1 is an internally threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded SM1 components. Its length of 0.28" is designed for direct mating of two standard lens tubes (SM1Lxx series). For a one-component solution for spacing two externally-threaded SM1 components at a fixed distance, please see our line of lens tubes without external threads, available in lengths ranging from 0.5" to 3.0".

Thorlabs offers four externally threaded couplers for joining internally SM1-threaded components. These feature external threads along the entire length of the part, allowing for optimization of the position and angle of the attached components. This is ideal for use with lenses that require optimization of the position along the optical axis. Two SM1NT locking rings allow the attached components to be secured once adjustment is complete and are also available separately. The table to the right gives the specifications for the four items available.

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• Use as Spacers Between Lens Tubes
• External SM1 Threading on Each End
• Three Lengths Available: 1", 2", and 3"

These Lens Tube Spacers are designed to connect two components with internal SM1 threads at a fixed distance. They are internally unthreaded and have a clear aperture of Ø0.95".

The figure to the right shows two SM1L30C slotted lens tubes holding two plano-convex lenses. Separating these is the SM1S30 lens tube spacer, attached to a post with an SM1RC lens tube slip ring. This arrangement has the advantage of placing the two lenses a fixed distance apart using only one connector.

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SM1CPL Holding Two Ø1" Lens Tubes. A Rubber Gasket Makes the Coupler Light Tight

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Lens Tubes Are Secured by Tightening Two 5/64" Hex Screws

• Flexure Coupler Holds Ø1" Lens Tubes or Other Ø1.2" Outer Diameter Cylindrical Objects
• RTV103 Black Silicone Gasket Provides Light-Tight Coupling
• Lens Tubes can be Positioned Along the 3" Length, Facing Either Direction

The SM1CPL lens tube coupler is a flexure-clamping sleeve that can hold any Ø1" lens tubes or other Ø1.2" outer diameter cylindrical objects. Lens tubes are slid into the ends of the coupler and secured by tightening the two 5/64" (2 mm) hex screws. The coupler features an RTV103 black silicone gasket along the clamping section to provide light-tight coupling of lens tubes (see photos to the right). Lens tubes can be mounted at any location along the length of the 3” long coupler as long as there is at least 6 mm of clamping length. They can be clamped with either the internal or external threads facing out.

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SM2T2 used to Couple Two Internally-Threaded Ø2" Lens Tubes

• SM2T1: Internal Threads Enable the Coupling of Two Components with External SM2 Series Threads
• SM2T2: External Threads Enable the Coupling of Two Components with Internal SM2 Series Threads, Includes 2 SM2NT Locking Rings
• SM2NT Locking Ring to Secure Components with SM2T2

The SM2T1 is an internally threaded coupler for joining two externally threaded SM2 (2.035"-40) components. It is designed to directly mate two of our SM2 threaded standard lens tubes.

The SM2T2 Coupler features external SM2 threading (2.035"-40), which enables the coupling of two components with internal SM2 threads. It ships with two SM2NT locking rings, which can be used to lock the position of an externally threaded SM2 component.

Additional locking rings (Item # SM2NT) can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any SM2-threaded components. The use of multiple locking rings is particularly desirable in situations where you have two components with preferential relative directions, such as when using crossed polarizers.

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• SM3T2: External Threads Enable Coupling of Two Internally-Threaded SM3 Components, Includes 2 SM3NT
• SM3NT: Locking Ring to Secure Components with the SM3T2

The SM3T2 Coupler features external SM3 threading (3.035"-40), which enables the coupling of two components with internal SM3 threads. It ships with two SM3NT locking rings, which can be used to lock the position of an externally threaded SM3 component.

Additional locking rings (Item # SM3NT) can be purchased separately to limit the external thread depth of any SM3 components. The use of multiple locking rings is particularly desirable in situations where you have two components with preferential relative directions, such as when using crossed polarizers.