Products HomeKinematic Collimator Mounting Adapters
- Adapters for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, Ø12 mm, or Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components
- Unthreaded or SM-Threaded External Surface
- Smooth Internal Bore
KAD12F
SM1 External Thread,
Ø12 mm Bore
KAD8F
SM1 External Thread,
Ø8 mm Bore
KAD11NT
1" Outer Diameter,
Ø11 mm Bore
Collimator Secured using an KAD15NT Adapter Mounted into an FMP1.5 Fixed Optical Mount
KAD15F
SM1.5 External Thread,
Ø15 mm Bore
Please Wait
Features
- Integrate Collimators into Lens Tubes, Cage Systems, or Optical Mounts
- Align Collimators to the Optical Axis
- 1" Outer Diameter or Externally SM1-Threaded Adapters for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm Components
- 1.5" Outer Diameter or Externally SM1.5-Threaded Adapters for Ø15 mm Components
- Compatible with Fixed Collimators, Triplet Collimators, and Laser Diode Modules
These kinematic collimator adapters are designed to facilitate the integration of fiber optic or cylindrical components into free-space optical setups (or vice versa). Unlike our fixed collimator adapters, these kinematic mounting adapters provide pitch and yaw adjustment using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key, allowing a collimated beam to be steered by the mount. The adapters are offered unthreaded (smooth 1" or 1.5" outer diameter), externally SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded, or externally SM1.5 (1.535"-40) threaded, enabling compatibility with our fixed lens mounts, lens tube systems, cage systems, and numerous other components. Each adapter is designed so that the optical axis of the collimator will be centered with respect to the outer diameter of the adapter. For coarse rotational adjustment, the non-externally threaded adapters can be mounted in our kinematic mirror mounts.
Alternatively, Thorlabs offers our Mini-Series Kinematic Mount for Ø11 mm Components, which provides ±4° angular adjustment in a more compact size. Unlike the kinematic adapters, the kinematic mount is post-mountable using one of two 4-40 (M3) tapped holes oriented to allow for left- or right-handed mounting.
| Posted Comments: | |
user
(posted 2025-06-25 20:29:02.657) Hi,
I’m wondering if there’s a non-anodized version available, and whether that would affect the precision of the fine-tuned thread. jdelia
(posted 2025-06-26 01:36:48.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While we would not expect an unanodized version of KAD12F to affect the precision, we unfortunately do not currently offer this product as a catalog item. That said, I have reached out to you directly via email to discuss the possibility of offering this as a customized item. Alexandra Boehmke
(posted 2024-05-17 11:12:56.9) Hello,
I use this mount within a rotation mount (CRM1T/M) to orient the polarization of a fibre-coupled laser + collimator. I find it very difficult to use.
The pin to hold the laser within this mount pushes the output beam into an asymmetric orientation that is not normal to the plane of the mount. I try to correct for this with the pitch/yaw, but still, when I rotate the mount+laser, the optical axis precesses.
Can you suggest an alternative, please? cdolbashian
(posted 2024-05-24 10:34:49.0) Thank you for reaching out to us Alexandra. I have contacted you directly to discuss your application-based difficulties. I hope to hear back from you so we can find a solution. Jordan Dwelle
(posted 2019-03-18 18:02:59.76) I'm wondering what the temperature specification is for this device. Also is it possible to get a high temperature customized version?
Thanks,
Jordan llamb
(posted 2019-03-19 09:36:27.0) Hi Jordan, thank you for your feedback. We do not have an official temperature range for this product; we generally advise using it at or around room temperature. The black anodization layer on the aluminum will begin to crack and craze around 100°C. Also, you will likely see reduced performance/poor alignment even before reaching this temperature as the aluminum components expand. I have reached out to you directly to discuss your application's requirements further and if we may be able to provide a custom solution. |
ZoomVideo 652A Unthreaded Kinematic Adapters Usage
Click to Enlarge
Figure 652C CPS405 Laser Diode Module Held in a KAD11NT Adapter and Mounted into an FMP1 Fixed Optical Mount
Click to Enlarge
Figure 652B TC06FC-543 Triplet Collimator Held in a KAD12NT Adapter and Mounted into an FMP1 Fixed Optical Mount
- Compatible with Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~24 mrad/rev
- Smooth 1" Outer Diameter
These unthreaded, Ø1" kinematic adapters are designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±6° for Ø8 mm or Ø11 mm cylindrical components, or ±5° for Ø12 mm cylindrical components. They can be used to adapt many of our fixed fiber collimators, laser diode modules, triplet collimators, and other components to our selection of smooth bore mounts for Ø1" optics, such as the FMP1 fixed optic mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in these adapters, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage to the mounted component.
| Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Length | |||||
| KAD8NT | Laser Diode Modules | 8 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±6° | ~24 mrad/rev | 0.78" (19.7 mm) |
| KAD11NT | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and Laser Diode Modules |
11 mm | ||||
| KAD12NT | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators, TC12 and TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC and FC/APC) |
12 mm | ±5° | |||
ZoomVideo 653A SM1-Threaded Kinematic Adapters Usage
Click to Enlarge Figure 653C F671APC-405 Fiber Collimator Held in a KAD11F Adapter and Mounted into an SM1L10 Lens Tube
Click for Details Figure 653B F671APC-405 Fiber Collimator Held in a KAD11F Adapter Inside an LM1XY Translation Mount
- Kinematic Adapters for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~24 mrad/rev
- Externally SM1 Threaded (1.035"-40)
These externally SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) kinematic adapters are designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±6° for Ø8 mm or Ø11 mm cylindrical components, or ±5° for Ø12 mm cylindrical components. This adjustment range can be restricted by the available space inside a SM1-threaded lens tube when used with a long component. Compatible components include many of our fixed collimators, laser diode modules, and triplet collimators.
These adapters are particularly useful when combined with our Ø1" lens tubes, 30 mm cage plates, or LM1XY(/M) translation mount. A Ø1.25" SM1NT locking ring is included with the adapter to ensure stable mounting. To mount the adapter inside a lens tube or other component, first thread it into the desired position and axis orientation, and then tighten the locking ring against the end of the lens tube or mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in these adapters, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage.
| Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Length | |||||
| KAD8F | Laser Diode Modules | 8 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±6° | ~24 mrad/rev | 0.78" (19.7 mm) |
| KAD11F | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and Laser Diode Modules |
11 mm | ||||
| KAD12F | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators, TC12 and TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC and FC/APC) |
12 mm | ±5° | |||
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Figure 736A TC18APC-780 Triplet Collimator Held in a KAD15NT Adapter and Mounted into an FMP1.5 Fixed Optical Mount
- Compatible with Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~14 mrad/rev
- Smooth 1.50" Outer Diameter
This unthreaded, Ø1.50" kinematic adapter is designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±5° for Ø15 mm cylindrical components. It can be used to adapt many of our doublet collimators, collimation tubes, TC18 triplet collimators, and other components to our selection of smooth bore mounts for Ø1.5" optics, such as the FMP1.5 fixed optic mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in these adapters, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage to the mounted component.
| Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Length | |||||
| KAD15NT | F810 Doublet Collimators, LT Collimation Tubes, and TC18 Triplet Collimators | 15 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±5° | ~14 mrad/rev | 0.83" (21.1 mm) |
Zoom
Click to Enlarge Figure 737A A F810APC-780 fiber collimator held in a KAD15F adapter which has been mounted into an SM1.5L10 lens tube and affixed to an LMR1.5 lens mount.
- Kinematic Adapters for Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~14 mrad/rev
- Externally SM1.5 (1.535"-40) Threaded
This externally SM1.5-threaded (1.535"-40) kinematic adapter is designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±5° for Ø15 mm cylindrical components. Note that this adjustment range may be restricted if a long component is mounted in the kinematic adapter and the adapter is secured in an SM1.5-threaded lens tube. Compatible components include many of our doublet collimators, collimation tubes, and TC18 triplet collimators.
This adapter is particularly useful when combined with our Ø1.5" lens tubes or LCP10(/M) 60 mm cage plate. An SM1.5NT1 SM1.5 locking ring is included with the adapter to ensure stable mounting. To mount the adapter inside a lens tube or other component, first thread it into the desired position and axis orientation, and then tighten the locking ring against the end of the lens tube or mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in this adapter, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage.
| Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Length | |||||
| KAD15F | F810 Doublet Collimators, LT Collimation Tubes, and TC18 Triplet Collimators | 15 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±5° | ~14 mrad/rev | 0.83" (21.1 mm) |
Kinematic Fiber Collimator Adapters