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Polaris® Fixed Optic Mounts![]()
POLARIS-L1G Ø1" Glue-In Mount POLARIS-C05G Ø1/2" Glue-In Mount POLARIS-C1G Ø1" Glue-In Mount Optimized for Mirrors (Mirror and Post Not Included) POLARIS-B1S Ø1" Flexure-Clamp Mount POLARIS-C2G Ø2" Glue-In Mount Optimized for Mirrors Related Items ![]() Please Wait ![]() Click to Enlarge The three Polaris glue-in fixed mount designs: optimized for beamsplitters (left), optimized for lenses (middle), and optimized for mirrors (right). The Ø1" versions are shown here. ![]() Click to Enlarge Polaris Flexure-Clamp Fixed Mount Optimized for Beamsplitters (Ø1" Version Shown Here) Features
Polaris® Fixed Optic Mounts are the ultimate solution for applications requiring stringent long-term alignment stability. Fixed mounts for plano or curved, Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø2" optics are available below. The mounts are offered in three styles, each optimized for a different type of optic: lenses, mirrors, or beamsplitters. Optic Mounting Mounts for OEMsThorlabs' Polaris Fixed Optic Mounts were designed to meet the needs of OEM customers. To that end, we are equipped to manufacture these mounts in high volumes and with timed delivery. Additionally, we can design and manufacture modified versions of these mounts for mounting additional optic types, sizes, and shapes. For example, we have produced similar fixed mounts for square mirrors, diffraction gratings, different optic sizes, or different beam heights. To find out more about our OEM capabilities, please contact Tech Support. Polaris Flexure-Clamp Optic Mounts provide highly stable mounting without permanently affixing the optic. A monolithic stainless steel flexure clamp and setscrew combination provides temperature-independent retention of the optic with maximum stability and low wavefront distortion. The mounts are designed for optics with imperial diameters; performance will be diminished if these mounts are used with optics with metric diameters. For custom mounts sized for metric optics, please contact Tech Support. Design Post Mounting Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
Optic Installation Procedure for a Polaris Glue-In Mirror Mount Using a UV-Curing Adhesive ![]() Click to Enlarge The glue plane is highlighted for each style of glue-in mount above. Installing an Optic into a Polaris® Glue-In Mirror MountEnsure that there is no grease, dirt, or dust on the optic mounting plane or on the optic itself. Polaris mounts are thoroughly cleaned and then sealed inside two vacuum bag layers to ensure the mounts are free of any contaminants when the package is first opened. If the mount has been handled at all prior to installing the optic, remove any particulates with clean, compressed air and/or clean the mount with acetone or methanol. Using a clean stainless steel applicator or a syringe, apply a thin coating of optical adhesive to the entire optic glue plane (see photo to the right) in the area where the back surface of the optic will make contact. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (item # NOA61, available below). Then, slide the optic down the optic rim contact points until the back surface of the optic makes contact with the glue. The adhesive can then be cured with a UV curing LED system (Item # CS2010). Optical Adhesives: We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (item # NOA61, available below) because of its ease of use. A 10-second pre-cure and a 10-minute final cure provides 3000 psi tensile strength, and the adhesive will maintain its performance over a wide temperature range of -150 °C to +125 °C. We also recommend EPO-TEK 301-2FL for operating temperatures up to 250 °C, at the cost of a slightly weaker bond than the NOA61. Other adhesives may be suitable depending on your application; contact Tech Support for assistance in choosing the appropriate one. Single Plane Glue Bond: In order to minimize wavefront distortion, the adhesive layer should be confined to a single plane and should not contact the side of the optic. Polaris glue-in mounts offer relief cuts in the glue plane, allowing excess adhesive to flow away from the optic rather than onto the edges. The single plane bond prevents pockets or voids in the glue that reduce the bonding area and weaken the bond. Such pockets or voids are also more susceptible to misalignment due to fluctuations in temperature. In addition, allowing the glue to bond only to the back surface of the optic significantly reduces stress on the optic after the glue is cured. Temperature while Curing: The temperature of the mount during the UV curing process should be controlled. UV ovens that significantly heat the mount should be avoided because the heat will cause thermal expansion of the mount, adhesive, and optic. Upon cooling, some residual stress will then develop in the glue bond and distort the optic. See the Test Data tab for details on the low optic distortion provided by these mounts. Positional Repeatability After Thermal ShockThis testing was done to determine how reliably the mount returns the mirror, without hysteresis, to its initial position so that the alignment of the optical system is unaffected by the temperature shock. During the testing phase, the Polaris mounts were attached to a PLS-P150 Ø1" Post and secured to a stainless steel optical breadboard using a POLARIS-CA1 clamping arm in a temperature-controlled environment. Each mount was secured to the post by an 8-32 cap screw with 16 in-lb of torque. The mirrors were glued in the mounts. The beam from an independently temperature-stabilized diode laser was reflected off the mirror’s surface onto a position sensing detector. Procedure: Results: For Comparison:
![]() Click to Enlarge Preparing a Polaris fixed optic mount for testing with our ZYGO Interferometer. Optical Distortion Testing Using a ZYGO Phase-Shifting InterferometerMounting stresses are responsible for the strain that results in optical surface distortion. Minimizing distortion effects is crucial; any distortion of the optic affects the reflected wavefront. Polaris fixed optic mounts offer maximum stability while minimizing optic distortion for applications like laser cavity construction. Glue-In MountsTo determine the amount of optic distortion caused by the adhesive mounting process in our fixed glue-in mounts, a ZYGO Phase-Shifting Interferometer was used to measure the wavefront reflected from both unmounted and mounted mirrors (for testing purposes, a mirror was used in all three mounts). Based on results of the test, we can conclude that our glue-in Polaris mounts introduce a minimum amount of wavefront distortion. Procedure: Results: Fixed Optic in POLARIS-C05G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-C05G Ø1/2" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Fixed Optic in POLARIS-L05G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-L05G Ø1/2" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Fixed Optic in POLARIS-B05G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-B05G Ø1/2" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Loose Optic in POLARIS-C1G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Loose Mirror Placed on a POLARIS-C1G Mount Fixed Optic in POLARIS-C1G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-C1G Ø1" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Fixed Optic in POLARIS-L1G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-L1G Ø1" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Fixed Optic in POLARIS-B1G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-B1G Ø1" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Fixed Optic in POLARIS-C2G ![]() Click to Enlarge Optical Surface Distortion of a Mirror Fixed in a POLARIS-C2G Ø2" Mount with NOA61 Optical Adhesive Flexure-Clamped MountsTo determine the amount of optic distortion exerted on the mirror by the flexure arm, a ZYGO Phase-Shifting Interferometer was used to measure the wavefront distortion at different torque values (see the image below to the left). Based on results of the tests seen below, we recommend a torque of 2 - 3 oz-in for our Ø1/2" flexure-clamped fixed mount, at which the optic wavefront distortion is ≤0.1λ. We recommend a torque of 2 - 4 oz-in to obtain a wavefront distortion of ≤0.1λ for optics in our Ø1" flexure-clamped fixed mount, which was tested using the same method. Procedure: Results: ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-B05S Wavefront Distortion for Setscrew Torque of 3 oz-in (See Table to the Right for Other Torque Values)
Several common factors typically lead to beam misalignment in an optical setup. For fixed optic mounts, these include temperature-induced hysteresis of the optic's position. Polaris® fixed mounts are designed specifically to minimize this misalignment factor and thus provide extremely stable performance. Hours of extensive research, multiple design efforts using sophisticated design tools, and months of rigorous testing went into choosing the best components to provide an ideal solution for experiments requiring ultra-stable performance from a fixed optic mount. Thermal Hysteresis The method by which the mirror is secured in the mount is another important design factor for the Polaris; these Polaris mounts rely on an adhesive to fix the optic in place. Permanent mounting with optical adhesive reduces optical surface distortion and provides superior performance for applications that are sensitive to wavefront distortion. In addition, this glue-in optic design minimizes temperature sensitivity and limits temperature-dependent hysteresis. Vacuum Compatible and Low Outgassing Each vacuum-compatible Polaris mount is packaged within two vacuum bag layers after assembly in a clean environment. These vacuum bags do not contain any desiccant materials that produce contamination and tightly wrap the mount, preventing the formation of plastic shavings due to friction against the mount during shipping. This packing method protects the mount from corrosion, gas or liquid contamination, and particulates during transport. The first vacuum bag should be opened in a clean environment while the second vacuum bag should only be opened just prior to installation. When operating at pressures below ![]() Click to Enlarge Polaris Glue-In Fixed Optic Mounts on a Kinematic Platform Mount Polaris® fixed optic mounts are specifically designed to provide excellent performance under thermal changes and vibrations. Below are some usage tips to ensure that the mount provides optimal performance. Mounting Options Polaris Ø1/2" fixed mounts are compact and ideal for space-constrained setups, as shown in the photo to the right. Polish and Clean the Points of Contact
Thorlabs offers several different general varieties of Polaris mounts, including kinematic side optic retention, SM-threaded, low optic distortion, piezo-actuated, and glue-in optic mounts, as well as a fixed monolithic mirror mount and fixed optic mounts. Click to expand the tables below and see our complete line of Polaris mounts, listed by optic bore size, and then arranged by optic retention method and adjuster type. We also offer a line of accessories that have been specifically designed for use with our Polaris mounts; these are listed in the table immediately below. If your application requires a mirror mount design that is not available below, please contact Tech Support.
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-L05G with a Plano-Convex Lens
The POLARIS-L05G and POLARIS-L1G Glue-In Fixed Optic Mounts feature a glue-in optic cell with three optic rim locating points for precise centration of the mounted optic. The adhesive optic mounting method ensures minimal optic surface distortion, providing optimum performance for applications like laser cavity construction. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (Item # NOA61, available below) for gluing optics to these mounts. The Ø1/2" mount has a Ø0.39" transmissive clear aperture and centers the optic at 0.50" above the bottom of the mount, while the Ø1" mount has a Ø0.88" transmissive clear aperture and centers the optic at 0.75" above the bottom of the mount. The mounts feature a #8 (M4) counterbored slot for mounting. The slot allows for a screw to be slightly tightened and then a final focusing adjustment to be made prior to final tightening, ideal for positioning lenses in a setup. In custom mounting configurations, we suggest placing the mount next to a machined flat or removable straight edge to maintain the mount's alignment during the focusing adjustment. For custom mounting configurations where the focusing adjustment is not necessary, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located next to the slot for setting a precise location and mounting angle. We recommend using these mounts with a stainless steel post that also has Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mounts. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (to view the mechanical drawings, click on the red Docs icon below). The POLARIS-L1G mount can be used with Ø25 mm optics; however, the optic locating points will not center the optic, requiring the centration to be adjusted by hand during installation. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-C2G with a Mirror
The Polaris Glue-In Fixed Optic Mounts feature a 180° (Ø1/2" mount), 252° (Ø1" mount), or 270° (Ø2" mount) clear edge and an optic cell that allows optics to be glued in place. The The mounts feature #8 (M4) counterbores for post mounting. The Ø1/2" and Ø1" mounts feature one counterbore, while the Ø2" mount features three counterbores for setups requiring extra stability. For custom mounting configurations, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located next to the central counterbore on each mount for setting a precise location and mounting angle. We recommend using these mounts with a stainless steel post that also has Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mounts. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (to view the mechanical drawings, click on the red Docs icon below). These mounts can be used with metric-sized optics; however, the optic locating points will not center the optic, requiring the centration to be adjusted by hand during installation. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-B1S Flexure-Clamp Mount with a Plate Beamsplitter ![]() Click to Enlarge POLARIS-B05G Glue-In Mount with a Plate Beamsplitter ![]() Click to Enlarge Two cutouts in the optic bore of the Polaris beamsplitter mounts increase the transmissive clear aperture when used at 45° AOI.
These Fixed Optic Mounts feature an optic cell with cut-outs to maximize the transmissive clear aperture, as shown in the photos to the right. This feature is especially useful for mounting beamsplitters at a 45° angle of incidence. Glue-In Mounts are available for Ø1/2" and Ø1" optics. The adhesive optic mounting method ensures minimal optic surface distortion, providing optimum performance for applications like laser cavity construction. We recommend Norland Optical Adhesive 61 (Item # NOA61, available below) for gluing optics to this mount. The POLARIS-B05G has a Ø0.39" transmissive clear aperture, with two Ø0.25" cutouts aligned horizontally with the center of the mount, and centers the optic at 0.50" above the bottom of the mount. The POLARIS-B1G has a Ø0.88" transmissive clear aperture, with two Ø0.51" cutouts aligned horizontally with the center of the mount, and centers the optic at 0.75" above the bottom of the mount. Flexure-Clamp Fixed Mounts are also available for Ø1/2" and Ø1" optics. The design features a setscrew and flexure arm combination that provides stable mounting without permanently affixing the optic. When securing the optic in the mount using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key, a torque of 2 - 3 oz-in should be used for the POLARIS-B05S Ø1/2" mount, while a torque of 2 - 4 oz-in should be used for the POLARIS-B1S Ø1" mount. Use a torque driver to avoid excessive tightening, which leads to optic distortion. These mounts can hold optics at least 3 mm thick. The POLARIS-B05S has a Ø0.45" transmissive clear aperture and centers the optic 0.50" above the bottom of the mount, while the All the beamsplitter-optimized fixed mounts feature a #8 (M4) counterbore for post mounting. For custom mounting configurations, two Ø2 mm alignment pin holes are located next to the counterbore for setting a precise location and mounting angle. We recommend using these mounts with a stainless steel post that also has Ø2 mm alignment pin holes, such as our Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mounts. Standard DIN 7-m6 ground dowel pins are recommended (to view the mechanical drawings, click on the red Docs icon below). The POLARIS-B05G and POLARIS-B1G mounts can be used with Ø12.5 mm and Ø25 mm optics, respectively; however, the optic locating points will not center the optic, requiring the centration to be adjusted by hand during installation. The POLARIS-B05S and POLARIS-B1S should not be used with Ø12.5 mm or Ø25 mm optics. ![]() Polaris Recommended Optical Adhesive
The NOA61 Optical Adhesive is a clear, one-part adhesive that contains no solvents. When exposed to UV light, it gels in seconds and cures fully in minutes to give a tough resilient bond. It has been optimized to adhere optical glass to metal with very little stress, making it ideal for use with our Polaris Glue-In Mounts. To cure these optical adhesives, they must be exposed to UV light. Thorlabs offers a UV curing system that provides an intensity up to 600 mW/cm2. NOA61 optical adhesive is designed to give the best possible bond to glass surfaces and may be polished after curing. It meets Federal Specification MIL-A-3920 for optical adhesives and is approved for use on all government contracts specifying such adhesives. This adhesive has excellent adhesion to metal, fiberglass and glass-filled plastic. Shelf Life
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