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Manual, Continuous Rotation Mounts![]()
RSP2D Ø2" Rotation Mount with Adjustable Zero MRM05 Ø1/2" Mini-Series Rotation Mount DLM1 Ø1" Dual Rotation Mount RSP1X15 Indexing Rotation Mount for Discrete 15° Rotation Application Idea CLR1 Rotation Mount Lets Optic Rotate While Both Lens Tubes Remain Fixed (All Sold Separately) LRM1 Ø1" Rotation Mount, External SM1 Threads Related Items ![]() Please Wait Features
Thorlabs offers a diverse line of continuous rotation mounts to accommodate a variety of optic sizes and applications. These mounts provide smooth, backlash-free rotation in compact, lockable packages. To mount an optic, simply place it within the central SM-threaded bore and secure it using a spanner wrench with the included retaining ring. Rotation mounts are available for Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optics. An easy-to-read radial scale offers 2° graduation marks, labeled every 20°, for precise incremental movement and repeatable positioning. Standard rotation mounts, including the MRM05(/M), RSP05(/M), RSP1(/M), and RSP2(/M) are post mountable, and feature a locking screw to fix the rotational position. The MRM05(/M) and RSP05(/M) rotation mounts hold Ø1/2" optics, and the MRM05(/M) can be used with our Mini-Series Optical Assemblies. The RSP1D(/M) and RSP2D(/M) rotation mounts hold Ø1" or Ø2" optics, respectively, and offer similar functionality to our standard rotation mounts with the added feature of a rotatable dial: the front dial face can be rotated separately from the optic cell and then locked down. This allows the engraved scale to be aligned with an axis of the optic, such as the fast axis of a wave plate. The CRM05 and LRM1 rotation mounts hold Ø1/2" or Ø1" optics, respectively, and feature external SM1 (1.035"-40) threads for integrating optics into SM1 lens tube or 30 mm cage cube systems. The front dial face rotates the optic inside the mount, but the external SM1 threads are fixed. The CLR1(/M) rotation mount is designed to orient rotationally sensitive Ø1" optics within SM1 lens tube systems. Round cylindrical lenses, wave plates, and other polarization optics are commonly used with this mount. Unlike our other rotation mounts, the CLR1(/M) allows for lens tubes to be attached to either end and remain stationary as the mounted optic is rotated. For applications that require rotation in discrete increments, we offer the RSP1X15(/M) and RSP1X225(/M) mounts for Ø1" optics. These mounts have a top-located setscrew [5/64" (2.0 mm) hex] that, when loosened, allows for continuous 360° motion. With the setscrew tightened, the mount can be rotated through a number of indexed positions in discrete increments. The DLM1(/M) dual rotation mount features two independently rotating optic carriages that allow two optics to be mounted in close proximity. The carriages are magnetically attached to the main body of the mount so that they can be removed and replaced as needed. Extra optic carriages are available separately. Thorlabs also offers rotation mounts that are compatible with our 16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm cage systems. For demanding applications, we offer high-resolution, micrometer-driven rotation mounts providing roughly 2.4 arcmin per micrometer division. Please see the Rotation Mounts and Stages tab for our entire selection of rotation mounts and stages.
Thorlabs' Threading SpecificationsThorlabs' lens tubes utilize a series of non-standard threadings. Threading specifications are given below for our SM threadings utilized in our lens tube and cage system components so that you can machine mating components to suit your application. We also offer products with C-Mount and RMS threadings, and the specifications for these threadings are also given below. Please note that other manufacturers may have different tolerances for these threads. For other thread specifications that are not listed here, please contact Tech Support.
![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 1: An example of how to read a vernier scale. The red arrow indicates what is known as the pointer. Since the tick mark labeled 10 on the vernier scale aligns with one of the tick marks on the main scale, this vernier scale is reading 75.60 (in whatever units the tool measures). Reading a Vernier ScaleVernier scales are typically used to add precision to standard, evenly divided scales (such as the scale on Thorlabs' rotation mounts). A vernier scale has found common use in many precision measurement tools, the most common being calipers and micrometers. The direct vernier scale uses two scales side-by-side: the main scale and the vernier scale. The vernier scale has a slightly smaller spacing between its tick marks (10% smaller than the main). Hence, the lines on the main scale will not line up with all the lines on the vernier scale. Only one line from the vernier scale will match well with one line of the main scale, and that is the trick to reading a vernier scale. Figures 1 through 3 show a vernier scale system for three different situations. In each case, the scale on the left is the main scale, while the small scale on the right is the vernier scale. When reading a vernier scale, the main scale is used for the gross number, and the vernier scale gives the precision value. In this manner, a standard ruler or micrometer can become a precision tool. The 0 on the vernier scale is the "pointer" (marked by a red arrow in Figs. 1 - 3) and will indicate the main scale reading. In Figure 1 we see the pointer is lined up directly with the 75.6 line. Notice that the only other vernier scale tick mark that lines up well with the main scale is 10. Since the vernier 0 lines up with the main scale’s 75.6, the reading from Figure 1 is 75.60 (in whatever units the tool measures in). That is essentially all there is to reading a vernier scale. It's a very straightforward way of increasing the precision of a measurement tool. To expound, let’s look at Figure 2. Here we see that the pointer is no longer aligned with a scale line, instead it is slightly above 75.6, but below 75.7; thus the gross measurement is 75.6. The first vernier line that coincides with a main scale line is the 5, shown with a blue arrow. The vernier scale gives the final digit of precision; since the 5 is aligned to the main scale, the precision measurement for Figure 2 is 75.65. Since the vernier scale is 10% smaller than the main scale, moving 1/10 of the main scale will align the next vernier marking. This asks the obvious question: what if the measurement is within the 1/10 precision of the vernier scale? Figure 3 shows just this. Again, the pointer line is in between 75.6 and 75.7, yielding the gross measurement of 75.6. If we look closely, we see that the vernier 7 (marked with a blue arrow) is very closely aligned to the main scale, giving a precision measurement of 75.67. However, the vernier 7 is very slightly above the main scale mark, and we can see that the vernier 8 (directly above 7) is slightly below its corresponding main scale mark. Hence, the scale on Figure 3 could be read as 75.673 ± 0.002. A reading error of about 0.002 would be appropriate for this tool. As we've seen here, vernier scales add precision to a standard scale measurement. While it takes a bit of getting used to, with a little practice, reading these scales is fairly straightforward. All vernier scales, direct or retrograde, are read in the same fashion. ![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 2: An Example of a vernier scale. The red arrow indicates the pointer and the blue arrow indicates the vernier line that matches the main scale. This scale reads 75.65. ![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 3: An Example of a vernier scale. The red arrow indicates the pointer and the blue arrow indicates the vernier line that matches the main scale. This scale reads 75.67, but can be accurately read as 75.673 ± 0.002.
Rotation Mount and Stage Selection GuideThorlabs offers a wide variety of manual and motorized rotation mounts and stages. Rotation mounts are designed with an inner bore to mount a Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø2" optic, while rotation stages are designed with mounting taps to attach a variety of components or systems. Motorized options are powered by a DC Servo motor, 2 phase stepper motor, piezo inertia motor, or an Elliptec™ resonant piezo motor. Each offers 360° of continuous rotation. Manual Rotation Mounts
Manual Rotation Stages
Motorized Rotation Mounts and Stages
![]() ![]() Linear Polarizer Mounted into the MRM05(/M)
The MRM05(/M) mount is a lockable, continuous rotation mount for Ø1/2" optics. The mount features full 360° rotation of the mounting carriage, with a marking at every 2° engraved on the circumference of the carriage. The back of the mounting carriage has a knurled edge for easy grip. A setscrew with a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex is located on top for locking the rotational position. The center aperture is SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) and accepts Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) optics up to 5.8 mm thick. Optics are held in the mount with an included SM05RR retaining ring, which can be adjusted with an SPW603, SPW603L, or SPW801 spanner wrench. These mounts are designed to provide a 10 mm optic axis height when measured from the bottom of the mount to match our Mini-Series Kinematic Mounts. The MRM05(/M) has a 4-40 (M3 x 0.5) mounting stud for post mounting, making this mount compatible with our Mini-Series Optical Post Assemblies. The mounting stud has a length that is optimal for mounting into posts, but can be removed if desired. The mounting hole has a depth of 0.09" (2.3 mm); caution should be taken in choosing a setscrew with the correct length, as damage to the part can occur. ![]()
With a 1.00" (25.4 mm) height and a 0.45" (11.4 mm) thickness, the RSP05(/M) Ø1/2" rotation mount is an ideal solution for compact optical assemblies. The center aperture accepts Ø1/2" optics up to 0.23" thick (5.8 mm), held in place with a SM05RR retaining ring (one included with RSP05). The knurled edge of the RSP05(/M) and the 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments allow for precise, repeatable positioning and fine angular adjustment. A convenient top-located setscrew can be tightened with a 1/16" (1.5 mm) hex key or balldriver to secure the rotational position of the mount. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge CRM05 Mount in a 30 mm Cage System
The CRM05 is a lockable, continuous-rotation mount for Ø1/2" optics. The mount features full 360° rotation of the front dial face and a setscrew for locking the rotational position into place. External SM1 threads (1.035"-40) allow the mount to be threaded directly onto any internally SM1-threaded device such as SM1 lens tubes or 30 mm cage cubes. The center aperture is SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) and accepts Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) optics up to 0.26" (6.5 mm) thick. Optics are held in the mount with an included SM05RR retaining ring. Two notches along the mount's circumference accommodate the SPW801 adjustable spanner wrench to aid in securing the mount into place. The knurled edge of the CRM05 and the 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments allow for precise, repeatable positioning and fine angular adjustment. Four equally spaced witness lines are engraved into the mount's perimeter, ensuring there is always a witness line in a convenient and easily readable position. The mount can be locked into position using the 0.035" hex setscrew on the outer edge. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge A linear polarizer is mounted in the LRM1 continuous rotation mount. This rotation mount can be post mounted by attaching its external SM1 threads to the LMR1(/M) lens mount.
The LRM1 is a lockable, continuous-rotation mount for Ø1" optics. The mount features full 360° rotation of the front dial face and a setscrew for locking the rotational position into place. External SM1 threads (1.035"-40) allow the mount to be threaded directly onto any internally SM1-threaded device such as SM1 lens tubes or 30 mm cage cubes. Please note that the LRM1 will not fit inside our 30 mm cage systems. The center aperture is also SM1-threaded and accepts Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) optics up to 0.34” (8.6 mm) thick. Optics are held in the mount with an included SM1RR retaining ring. We recommend using a spanner wrench for the SM1RR retaining ring to help secure the optic into place. In addition, two notches along the mount's circumference accommodate the SPW801 adjustable spanner wrench to aid in securing the mount into place. The knurled edge of the LRM1 and the 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments allow for precise, repeatable positioning and fine angular adjustment. Four equally spaced witness lines are engraved into the mount's perimeter, ensuring there is always a witness line in a convenient and easily readable position. The mount can be locked into position using the 8-32 nylon-tipped setscrew on the outer edge. The setscrew can be adjusted using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or ball driver. ![]()
The RSP1(/M) Continuous Rotation Mount utilizes two precision bearings for smooth, backlash-free rotation. The aperture is threaded with our internal SM1 threading (1.035"-40) and accepts Ø1" optics up to 0.47" (11.9 mm) thick. Secure the optic with the included SM1RR retaining ring. The SM1 threading also provides a means to connect SM1 lens tubes and other Thorlabs components to the mount. This mount has a knurled edge for adjusting rotation. A 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments allows for precise, repeatable positioning and fine angular adjustment. A top-located setscrew can be tightened with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver to lock the rotation of the mount. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Dual Rotation Mount Integrated in a 30 mm Cage System using CPTS20 Adapter ![]() Click to Enlarge The rotating optic carriages can be easily removed from the main body of the mount.
The DLM1(/M) Dual Rotation Mount includes two independently rotating carriages (item # DLM1-A) for Ø1" optics that offer 360° of continuous rotation. The optic bore of each carriage features internal SM1 (1.035"-40) threading and can hold an optic up to 0.25" (6.4 mm) thick with the included SM1RR retaining ring. The carriages magnetically attach to the main body of the mount. To remove a carriage from the mount, simply pull the carriage off the main body. Another carriage can then be snapped on in its place. Extra DLM1-A interchangeable rotating carriages are available to allow optics to be swapped out quickly and easily. Each carriage has a knurled edge for adjusting rotation and a 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments for precise, repeatable positioning. Two top-located setscrews can be tightened with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver to lock the rotation of the optic carriages independently. When the rotation is locked, the double bore on the mount maintains a stable, three-point contact to hold the optic carriage. The DLM1 mount is designed to put the optic axis 1.00" above the top of the post. The DLM1/M puts the optic axis 25.0 mm above the top of the post. When two optics are mounted, the separation between them is 0.30" (7.6 mm). The dual rotation mount is ideal for creating variable polarizers and attenuators by mounting linear polarizers and wave plates in close proximity without having to align the optic axes of two separate rotation mounts. We do not recommend using this mount with lens tubes, as the torque applied to the optic bore may overcome the magnetic attachment. Optics in SM1-threaded housings can be mounted to the carriage. ![]() This animation shows the movable scale of the Ø2" RSP2D Mount being rotated to align with the fast axis of a wave plate.
The RSP1D(/M) Ø1" Continuous Rotation Mount offers the same features as the RSP1(/M) featured above but also incorporates a rotatable dial that can be used, for example, to align a wave plate's optical axis after mounting. Like the RSP1 above, this mount utilizes two precision bearings for smooth, backlash-free rotation. The aperture is threaded with our internal SM1 threading (1.035"-40) and accepts Ø1" optics up to 0.51" (12.9 mm) thick. Secure the optic's position using the included SM1RR retaining ring. The SM1 threading also provides a means to connect SM1 lens tubes and other Thorlabs components to the mount. This mount has a knurled edge for adjusting rotation and a 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments to allow for precise, repeatable positioning and fine angular adjustment. The front dial scale can be unlocked and rotated using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key so that the scale can be aligned to the axis of an optic for calibration purposes. A top-located setscrew can be tightened with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver to lock the rotation of the mount. ![]() This animation shows the CLR1 being installed in an SM1 lens tube setup. The wave plate installed in the CLR1 rotates, while the lens tubes remain stationary.
The CLR1(/M) is a rotation mount designed for use with Ø1" round cylindrical lenses and other rotationally sensitive optics within a lens tube system. As round cylindrical lenses only focus or expand light in one dimension, they are not easily aligned within a standard lens mount or lens tube. This rotation mount can be sandwiched between two lens tubes to provide rotation of the mounted optic without disturbing the attached lens tubes. The back side of this mount utilizes an SM1 (1.035"-40) quick release adapter, which allows the mount to be quickly disconnected and reconnected to a lens tube setup. Please note that this adapter must be removed while inserting an optic in the mount, but once the optic is mounted, the adapter can be reattached. A convenient top-located setscrew can be tightened with a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver to secure the rotational position of the mount. ![]() This animation shows the movable scale of the RSP1X15 being rotated to align with the fast axis of a wave plate; it also shows the engagement of the indexing mechanism.
The RSP1X15(/M) and RSP1X225(/M) rotation mounts for Ø1" optics feature both continuous 360° rotation and stepped rotation in increments of 15° for the RSP1X15(/M) or 22.5° for the RSP1X225(/M). The top of each mount has a setscrew that, when loosened with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver, allows for smooth, continuous, 360° rotation. Tightening the setscrew engages a detent mechanism that forces the mount to rotate in discrete increments. The mounted optic is retained in the central SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) bore using the included SM1RR retaining ring. In addition, the engraved scale can be unlocked and rotated independently of the optic so that the markings can be aligned with respect to the mounted optic. For example, the zero of the engraved scale can be aligned with the fast axis of a wave plate or the polarization axis of a linear polarizer. To help with the alignment, an engraved arrow extends the zero mark all the way to the outside edge of the SM1-threaded bore used to mount the optic. This animation to the right details the operation of the RSP1X15. ![]()
The RSP2(/M) Continuous Rotation Mount utilizes two precision bearings for smooth rotation. The aperture features internal SM2 (2.035"-40) threading and accepts Ø2" optics up to 0.51" (13 mm) thick as well as any SM2-threaded component. Secure the optic using the included SM2RR retaining ring. The mount has a knurled edge for rotation. A 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments allows for precise, repeatable positioning and fine angular adjustment. A top-located setscrew can be tightened with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver to lock the rotation of the mount. ![]() This animation shows the movable scale of the RSP2D Mount being rotated to align with the fast axis of a wave plate.
The RSP2D(/M) Ø2" Continuous Rotation Mount offers the same features as the RSP2 featured above but also incorporates a rotatable dial that can be used, for example, to align a wave plate's optical axis after mounting. Like the RSP2(/M) above, this mount utilizes two precision bearings for smooth, backlash-free rotation. The aperture is threaded with our internal SM2 threading (2.035"-40) and accepts Ø2" optics up to 0.54" (13.7 mm) thick. Secure the optic's position using the included SM2RR retaining ring. The SM2 threading also provides a means to connect SM2 lens tubes and other Thorlabs components to the mount. This mount has a 360° laser-engraved scale marked at 2° increments to allow for precise, repeatable positioning and fine angular adjustment. The front dial scale can be unlocked and rotated using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key so that the scale can be aligned to the axis of an optic for calibration purposes. A top-located setscrew can be tightened with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver to lock the rotation of the mount. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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