Products HomeLens Tube Mounts
- Allow Mounting of Lens Tube Assemblies to a Breadboard
- Easy Assembly of Extended Structures
CAM1
SM1-Threaded Bore
SM05RC
Holds an
SM05 Lens
Tube
SM2RC
Holds an SM2
Lens Tube
SM3RC
Holds an SM3
Lens Tube
SM2C6
Easy Drop-In
Installation
SM1TC Lens Tube Clamp shown
with Lens Tube and Post
0.71" Inner
Diameter
2.21" Inner
Diameter
3.21" Inner
Diameter
Please Wait
The mounts below have been developed specifically to allow positioning of lens tube systems within free-space optical setups on breadboards or tables. Different designs are available to hold Ø1/2" (SM05), Ø1" (SM1), Ø30 mm (SM30), Ø1.5" (SM1.5), Ø2" (SM2), or Ø3" (SM3) lens tubes or C-Mount extension tubes.
Thorlabs offers many solutions for mounting lens tubes, including fixed lens mounts and threaded mounting rings.
Lens Tube Clamps and Slip Rings
Thorlabs' lens tube clamps and slip rings are both designed to enable post mounting of lens tube systems. With slip rings, lens tube systems can be mounted by passing the lens tube through the clear aperture of the ring. In contrast, the lens tube clamps enable drop in installation and removal of lens tubes. The lens tube clamps and slip rings can be bolted to any of our posts or other rigid construction components with an 8-32 (M4) tap.
Lens Tube Compatible Cage Plate
Similar to our slip rings, our CP36 cage plate features a Ø1.2" double bore that allows an SM1 lens tube to slide in. Our LCP36 cage plate features a Ø2.2" double bore that allows an SM2 lens tube to slide in. A nylon-tipped setscrew allows the lens tube to be locked securely in place in both of these products.
External Adapters
These adapters slip onto the outside of our lens tubes and feature standard threads and outer diameters for additional mounting possibilities.
Construction Cubes
The construction cubes, with SM threading on all six sides, are designed especially for building complex, three-dimensional lens tube systems such as beam splitters and interferometers.
Right-Angle Brackets
Using the threaded right-angle bracket, a lens tube system can be mounted parallel to a breadboard's surface. With two SM-threaded apertures, these brackets interface easily between a free-space setup and a lens tube system. The right-angle mounts are equipped with #4 (M3) and #6 (M4) mounting holes as well as 1/4"-20 (M6) taps to allow rigid mounting of the lens tubes to the table surface.
Thorlabs' Stackable Lens Tubes provide an easy and fast solution for assembly of an optical system with a single optical axis. Using lens tubes one can easily assemble several optical components on a common optical axis without the need for X-Y alignment of each component to the common axis. Thorlabs offers Ø1/2”, Ø1”, Ø30 mm, Ø1.5”, Ø2”, and Ø3” lens tubes, for use with different optics sizes, as well as adapters to convert between the four different sizes.
Thorlabs also offers many of our optical components in pre-mounted 1” lens tubes as well as specially developed components and mounts, all of which are pre-aligned to the optical axis, including:
- Iris Diaphragms that can be controlled from outside the lens tube
- Adjustable focus tubes
- Translating mounts
- Fiber adapters
- Laser diode mounts
- Temperature controlled tubes
- Angled mounts
- Mounting adapters for microscope objective and C-mount optics.
Thorlabs has also added alignment tools for lens tubes for working with IR optics, such as infrared alignment disks and alignment targets. Additionally, with the use of retaining rings, any standard optical component can be easily mounted into the lens tubes.
For more complex optical systems Thorlabs has developed sets of post mounting rings, and mounting brackets and construction cubes to enable building complex, rugged systems.
Thorlabs lens tubes can also easily interface with our cage system components such as the cage plates, kinematic turning mirror mounts, pre-mounted beamsplitter cubes and pre-mounted turning mirrors.
| Posted Comments: | |
Ivan Wevers
(posted 2024-04-25 18:31:47.503) Please help out.
The lens tube clamp SM1.5TC, is this product able to be used
in a vacuum environment? What does the coating consist of?
Are there any lubricants used in the hinge and screw joints?
Kind regards jdelia
(posted 2024-04-29 04:02:04.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. This part undergoes a type II (sulfuric acid) anodization. More information can be found on this here: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1266&tabname=anodizationclasses. We generally would not consider our parts with this anodization to be vacuum compatible. There are not any lubricants used in this assembly. Hyosub Kim
(posted 2022-08-09 15:59:12.803) The dowel pins at the hinge are sticky to a magnet. Hope to have nonmagnetic options. cdolbashian
(posted 2022-08-15 03:47:17.0) Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry! I have contacted you directly to discuss the potential of a nonmagnetic option as a future special. betts2
(posted 2017-07-26 13:32:34.077) Make a version of SM1RC that handles 1" OD beam tubes (Thin wall tubing used to enclose laser beam paths over long distance). tfrisch
(posted 2017-07-28 01:35:12.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I've posted this in our internal engineering forum. I'm glad we were also able to find a solution over the phone for your application. elliot
(posted 2017-01-11 23:10:58.65) Does thorlabs have a laser engraving service?
I'd like to have some text put on lens tube or on the flat surface of a LM2R lens mount. We have a shop locally that can do it, but it would be nice to get it directly tfrisch
(posted 2017-01-12 08:33:55.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about our custom engraving capabilities. kpurchase
(posted 2013-10-21 10:02:08.323) I need (and I'm sure many people could use) a version of SM2C6 designed for beam splitting. It should have three open ports, and a diagonal slot into which we can slide a BSW20R (or similar) 25x36mm beamsplitter plate.
I understand you have beamsplitter cubes in the cage system, but I'm using tube system and need a simple solution.
What would a custom part cost? jlow
(posted 2013-10-21 14:57:00.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: We have the CM1-DCH available for 25mm x 36mm rectangular mount and SM1 ports on the side. You can find this at http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=6079. |
Zoom| Table G1.1 Specifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Compatible Lens Tubes |
Compatible Lens Tube ODa |
Inner Diameter |
Locking Screw Hex |
| SM05RC(/M) | SM05 for Ø1/2" Optics | 0.70" (17.8 mm) |
0.71" (17.9 mm) |
7/64" (2.5 mm) |
| SM1RC(/M) | SM1 for Ø1" Optics and C-Mount Extension Tubes |
1.20" (30.5 mm) |
1.21" (30.6 mm) |
9/64" (3 mm) |
| SM30RC(/M) | SM30 for Ø30 mm Optics | 1.38" (35.0 mm) |
1.39" (35.2 mm) |
|
| SM1.5RC(/M) | SM1.5 for Ø1.5" Optics | 1.70" (43.2 mm) |
1.71" (43.3 mm) |
|
| SM2RC(/M) | SM2 for Ø2" Optics | 2.20" (55.9 mm) |
2.21" (56.0 mm) |
5/32" (4 mm) |
| SM3RC(/M) | SM3 for Ø3" Optics | 3.20" (81.3 mm) |
3.21" (81.4 mm) |
|
- Flat Sides Conserve Space
- Hold Outer Diameter of SM05, SM1, SM30, SM1.5, SM2, or SM3 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes
- 8-32 (M4) Mounting Hole for use with Ø1/2" Posts
These slip rings are designed to mount preassembled optical lens tube systems by passing the lens tube through the mounting ring and securing it with a locking screw. The locking screw is conveniently located along the top surface of the mount for easy access. Refer to Table G1.1 for locking screw hex sizes. The SM slip rings can easily be mounted to any of our Ø1/2" posts via the bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tap.
Zoom| Item # | Compatible Lens Tubes |
Compatible Lens Tube ODa |
Inner Diameter |
Locking Screw Hex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM05TC | SM05 for Ø1/2" Optics | 0.70" (17.8 mm) |
0.71" (17.9 mm) |
5/64" (2.0 mm) |
| SM1TC | SM1 for Ø1" Optics and C-Mount Extension Tubes |
1.20" (30.5 mm) |
1.21" (30.6 mm) |
|
| SM30TC | SM30 for Ø30 mm Optics | 1.38" (35.0 mm) |
1.39" (35.2 mm) |
|
| SM1.5TC | SM1.5 for Ø1.5" Optics | 1.70" (43.2 mm) |
1.71" (43.3 mm) |
|
| SM2TC | SM2 for Ø2" Optics | 2.20" (55.9 mm) |
2.21" (56.0 mm) |
|
| SM3TC | SM3 for Ø3" Optics | 3.20" (81.3 mm) |
3.21" (81.4 mm) |
- Drop-In Installation and Removal of Lens Tubes
- 3-Point Contact Provides Stable Mounting
- Hold Outer Diameter of SM05, SM1, SM30, SM1.5, SM2, or SM3 Lens Tubes as well as C-Mount Extension Tubes
These lens tube clamps are designed to enable easy installation and removal of lens tubes from optical systems. To remove a lens tube, simply unscrew the clamping screw, flip the mount open, and lift the tube straight up and out. This feature is useful for users who do not have the room to slide the entire lens tube out of a mount due to tight space constraints.
This series of lens tube clamps can easily be mounted to any of our posts using the #8 (M4) counterbore on the bottom of the clamp. The SM05TC also mounts to a mini-series post via a #4 washer and 4-40 cap screw (not included).
Zoom
- Ø1.2" Bore Supports Outside Diameter of SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes
- Compatible with 30 mm Cage Systems
- Nylon-Tipped Setscrew and Double Bore Securely Hold Lens Tubes
- Not Post Mountable
The CP36 cage plate is designed to allow our SM1 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes to slide into the cage plate and be locked in position with a nylon-tipped 8-32 setscrew. This is ideal for situations where it is not desirable to thread the lens tube into one of our threaded cage plates. It will also allow our Ø1.2" free-space isolator packages to be integrated into a 30 mm cage system. A double-bore design gives three points of contact for stable and secure mounting. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking M4 setscrew, which can be secured using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver.
Please note that this cage plate does not feature a tapped mounting hole, unlike many of our other cage plates. Due to the bore size, there would be interference between the threaded stud on our Ø1/2" posts and the clear aperture of the bore. Therefore, this cage plate cannot be used directly with Ø1/2" Posts, and a cage system utilizing this plate must be supported using a different method. For a post-mountable solution, consider our SM1RC or SM1TC lens tube clamps, but note that these parts are not cage compatible.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Figure 411A The LCP36 cage plate secures SM2 lens tubes in a 60 mm cage system.
- Ø2.2" (Ø56.0 mm) Bore Supports Outside Diameter of SM2 Lens Tubes
- Compatible with 60 mm Cage Systems
- Nylon-Tipped Setscrew and Double Bore Securely Hold Lens Tubes
- Not Post Mountable
The LCP36 Cage Plate is designed to allow our SM2 lens tubes to slide into the cage plate and be locked in position with a nylon-tipped setscrew. This cage plate is ideal for situations where it is not desirable to thread the lens tube into one of our threaded cage plates. A double-bore design gives three points of contact for stable and secure mounting. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking M4 x 0.7 setscrew, which can be secured using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key.
Please note that this plate does not feature a tapped mounting hole, unlike many of our other cage plates. Due to the bore size, there would be interference between the threaded stud on our Ø1/2" posts and the clear aperture of the bore. Therefore, this cage plate cannot be used directly with Ø1/2" Posts, and a cage system utilizing this plate must be supported using a different method.
Zoom
- Ø0.7" (Ø17.8 mm) Smooth Central Bore Accepts SM05 Lens Tubes and Other Ø0.7" Components
- Compatible with Mounts for Ø1" Optics
- External SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads for Our Ø1" Lens Tubes
- Setscrew Holds Internal Component
The SM1A60 adapter features an internal Ø0.7" (Ø17.8 mm) bore with external SM1 (1.035"-40) threads as well as an external Ø1" smooth bore. This allows our SM05 Lens Tubes to be mounted within our SM1 Lens Tube System, as well as within SM1-threaded mounts, such as the LMR1. The outer surface of the adapter also has a smooth section which can be used to secure it into a Ø1" optics mount with a smooth bore, such as the KM100.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge Figure 409A The SM2A21 Mounting Adapter can be Used to Easily Integrate an SM1 Lens Tube into a 60 mm Cage System
- Ø1.20" (Ø30.5 mm) Smooth Central Bore Accepts SM1 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes
- Smooth Section of Outer Surface is Compatible with Ø2" Optic Mounts
- External SM2 (2.035"-40) Threads for Our Ø2" Lens Tubes
- Nylon-Tipped Setscrew Holds SM1 Lens Tube Against Double Bore
The SM2A21 Mounting Adapter allows SM1 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes to be installed within SM2 Lens Tubes or Ø2" optic mounts. The outer ring surface features external SM2 (2.035"-40) threads that are 0.16" (4.1 mm) long, allowing the adapter to be used with our SM2 Lens Tubes or SM2-threaded mounts, such as the LMR2. The outer surface of the adapter also has a smooth section, measuring 0.31" (7.9 mm) in length, that can be used to secure it in a Ø2" optics mount with a smooth bore such as the KM200. The lens tube is secured using a nylon-tipped 5/64" (2 mm) hex setscrew.
Zoom- Six SM1- or SM2-Threaded Holes Directly Compatible with Ø1" or Ø2" Lens Tubes
- Build Compact 3D Structures
- Easy Assembly of Extended Structures
These building blocks are compatible with our SM1 and SM2-Series Lens Tubes. These precision machined components (square and parallel to better than 0.002") can be used in conjunction with our extensive line of SM1- or SM2-threaded components.
Zoom- Mounting Plates for Ø1" and Ø2" Lens Tubes
- Lens Tube Threads for Rigid Mounting
These right-angle brackets have SM-threaded clear apertures and are rigid mounting structures that can be used directly within the beam path. Precision machining with the six surfaces from one solid extruded shape provides maximum rigidity, with parallelism and perpendicularity within 0.002" (0.05 mm).
Please Note: The SM-threaded holes for previous versions of these brackets were offset by 0.06" (1.5 mm). This offset was corrected for the CAM1/M as of December 12, 2014, the CAM2/M as of February 10, 2015, and the CAM1 and CAM2 as of April 23, 2015.
Lens Tube Mounts