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HeNe to 60 mm Cage System Adapter Plate![]()
HCM2 Application Idea ![]() Please Wait Features
The HCM2 Adapter Plate is designed to enable integration of a cylindrical HeNe laser with a diameter between 1.74" and 1.77" (44.2 mm and 45.0 mm) into a 60 mm cage system or SM2 (2.035"-40) lens tube system. This adapter allows ±1.0 mm (0.04") of coarse X & Y manual translation for positioning of the laser source. The slip-plate design provides smooth, easy adjustments and and the position can be locked using four 5/32" (4 mm) hex screws. A pair of double-bored mounting plates ensures a true 3-point contact for stable mounting of the HeNe laser using two nylon-tipped 5/64" (2 mm) hex setscrews. Two 8-32 (M4) taps allow the HCM2 to be mounted on our standard Ø1/2" posts or Ø1" posts with 8-32 (M4) taps. Cage System OverviewThe Cage Assembly System provides a convenient way to construct large optomechanical systems with an established line of precision-machined building blocks designed for high flexibility and accurate alignment. 16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm Cage System StandardsThorlabs offers three standards defined by the center-to-center spacing of the cage assembly rods (see image below). The 16 mm cage, 30 mm cage, and 60 mm cage standards are designed to accomodate Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optics, respectively. Specialized cage plates that allow smaller optics to be directly inserted into our larger cage systems are also available. Standard ThreadsThe flexibility of our Cage Assembly System stems from well-defined mounting and thread standards designed to directly interface with a wide range of specialized products. The three most prevalent thread standards are our SM05 Series (0.535"-40 thread), SM1 Series (1.035"-40 thread), and SM2 Series (2.035"-40 thread), all of which were defined to house the industry's most common optic sizes. Essential building blocks, such as our popular lens tubes, directly interface to these standards. ![]() An example of the standard cage plate measurements determining cage system compatibility.
Insights into HeNe LasersScroll down to read about:
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HeNe Lasers: Handling and Mounting Guidelines![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 1: The external housing of HeNe lasers is mechanically coupled to the components of the lasing cavity. Stress applied to the external housing can misalign and potentially fracture lasing cavity components, which can negatively impact the quality and power of the output laser beam (red arrow) or lead to laser failure
HeNe lasers should be handled and mounted with care to protect them from damage. Never apply a bending force to the laser housing. Stress applied to the laser's external housing can misalign or damage components in the laser cavity. This can:
Factory packaging protects the HeNe lasers from shocks and vibrations during shipping, but end users directly handle the bare laser housing. Due to this, HeNe lasers are in greater danger of experiencing dangerous stress during handling by the end user. A result is that the primary cause of damage to HeNe lasers is rough handling after receipt of the laser. In extreme cases, shock and vibrations can shatter or fracture glass components internal to the laser. To maintain the optimum performance of your HeNe laser, do not drop it, never use force when inserting it into fixture, and use care when installing it into mounts, securing it using cage components or ring accessories that grip the housing, transporting it, and storing it. HeNe lasers will provide optimum performance over a long lifetime when they are handled gently. Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019
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