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SM1-Compatible Kinematic and Gimbal Mounts![]()
Back Front KCB1C 30 mm Cage Right-Angle Kinematic Mirror Mount with Smooth Cage Rod Bores K5X1 5-Axis Kinematic Optic Mount GMB1 Full Gimbal Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optics KS1T Ø1" Kinematic Mount for Optics up to 0.14" (3.5 mm) Thick, 3 Adjusters K6XS 6-Axis Kinematic Optic Mount KS1RS Ø1" Kinematic Rotation Mount ![]() Please Wait Features
These SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) mounts allow a variety of optical components to be integrated into optomechanical setups. All of these kinematic and gimbal mounts allow for versatility and flexibility in optomechanical constructions due to compatibility with SM1-threaded lens tubes, irises, and adapters. In addition, these mounts (except for the KC45D cage assembly mount) all include tapped holes or counterbores for post mounting (see below for details). Kinematic Mounts offer pitch and yaw movement and precise angular adjustment. Gimbal mounts offer rotational movement without angular or positional crosstalk. The KS1RS and K6XS provide continuous 360° rotational adjustment and ±4° kinematic tip/tilt adjustment, while the KX51 offers tip, tilt, and x, y, z translation. The KC1-T, KCB1, KCB1C, KCB1E, KCB1EC, KCB1P, and the KC45D mounts are not only SM1-compatible, but also 30 mm cage system compatible. This page contains our SM1-Compatible Kinematic and Gimbal Mounts; for a full selection of available kinematic mounts, please visit our Kinematic Mounts and Mirror Mounts navigation menus. 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.
![]() Both images above show the F280APC-B fiber collimator mounted in the KM100T kinematic mount using an AD11F adapter. On the left, the KM100T is mounted upwards using the #8 (M4) counterbore accessed by a through hole in the front plate. On the right, the KM100T is mounted with one of two back-located #8 (M4) counterbores, which are orthogonal to the optic mounting bore and to each other.
The KM100T SM1-Threaded Kinematic Mirror Mount is designed for use with thin Ø1" optics up to 0.14" (3.5 mm) thick. An optic is secured in the mounting hole with the two included SM1RR SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded retaining rings, which can be attached using the SPW602 spanner wrench. This mount is also compatible with SM1-threaded components, including our Ø1" Lens Tubes. The universal KM100T is compatible with both imperial and metric threaded Ø1/2" mounting posts via #8 (M4) counterbored through holes, and can be attached to the post in a right-handed, left-handed, or upward-facing orientation, as shown in the photos to the right. The mount has removable knobs that expose hex sockets in the lead adjuster screws. The KM100T features two 1/4"-80 adjusters for tip and tilt adjustments. An optional accessory, the LN2580 bronze locking nut, is available to lock the adjusters once the desired position is reached. Thin Kinematic Mounts are also suitable for mounting fiber collimators utilizing adapters such as the AD11F, as shown above. ![]()
The KS1T mirror mount uses a retaining ring for stress-free mounting of a thin optical component. An optic is secured in the mounting hole with the two included SM1RR SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded retaining rings, which can be attached using the SPW606 spanner wrench. This threading also allows the mount to be compatible with Ø1" lens tubes. This mount incorporates a thicker back plate than our two adjuster mirror mount, sold above, thereby providing increased stability. In addition to the increased mass of the mount, stiffer springs and hardened inserts at all contact points have been utilized to enhance the overall performance. The KS1T is universal, making it compatible with both imperial and metric threaded Ø1/2" mounting posts via a #8 (M4) counterbored through hole, and can be attached to the post in a right-handed or left-handed orientation. The mount has removable knobs that expose hex sockets in the lead adjuster screws. The KS1T features three 1/4"-80 TPI, lockable adjusters that allow the ±4° adjustment range to be altered by translating the front plate of the mirror mount. The spacing between the front and back plate must be 0.120" (3.05 mm) for the adjustment range to be symmetric (i.e., ±4°). When using all three adjusters, a maximum Z translation of 0.25" (6.4 mm) can be achieved. As shown in the image above and to the right, the internal threads can also be used to mount externally threaded adapters, allowing for various components to be mounted such as laser diode modules or fiber collimators. ![]()
The KS1RS is designed to hold Ø1" (25.4 mm) optics in situations where it is necessary to control the tip/tilt position as well as the rotation of the optic. This mount is ideal for polarization optics such as linear polarizers or wave plates. In addition, our Ø1" round cylindrical lenses may also be mounted in the KS1RS when it is necessary to adjust the angle of the line produced at the focal plane. The KS1RS features an SM1-threaded bore capable of mounting Ø1" optics up to 0.47" (11.9 mm) thick using the included SM1RR retaining ring. Additionally, SM1 lens tubes may be threaded onto the mount to accommodate thicker optics. Thorlabs' Kinematic Rotation Mounts combine the features of our Precision Kinematic Mirror Mounts and Manual Rotation Mounts, providing continuous 360° rotational adjustment and ±4° kinematic tip/tilt adjustment. These mounts are therefore ideal for holding optics with rotational The rotation of the mount may be locked in position with a locking screw. The locking screw is activated using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. The kinematic adjustment is provided by three 1/4"-80 adjusters with brass bushings to provide smooth adjustment. Each adjuster may be locked with a locking screw using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. Please note that while this mount is designed to hold Ø1" optics, the mount uses the same form factor as the KS2 Ø2" mirror mount in order to incorporate the rotation ring. If higher adjustment resolution or control is desired, the 1/4"-80 adjusters used in these mounts can be switched with DAS110 or DM22 Differential Adjusters. ![]()
The K5X1 5-Axis Kinematic Optic Mount offers an optic cell that can be adjusted along 5 axes (pitch, yaw, and XYZ), each with a locking screw for stability. The translating cell has SM1 threading (1.035"-40) for attaching Ø1" mounted optics. The cell can also be used to mount Ø1" (Ø25 mm) unmounted optics up to 0.38" (9.5 mm) thick using the included SM1RR Retaining Ring, which can be tightened using an SPW602 or SPW606 Spanner Wrench (sold separately). The mount features engraved vertical and horizontal tick marks to use as an alignment aid for the mounting cell. For post mounting the K5X1 kinematic mount in a right- or left-handed configuration, two orthogonal #8 (M4) counterbores are provided. For information on the hex key sizes needed to adjust and lock the kinematic mount, please click on the Docs icon ( For adjustment on all of the axes available with the K5X1 plus rotational adjustment, we offer the K6XS 6-Axis Kinematic Mount (sold below). ![]() K6XS 6-Axis Kinematic Mount Usage
The K6XS 6-Axis Kinematic Optic Mount is designed as a general-purpose, high-precision positioner. The optic cell can be translated along 6 axes, and each axis has a locking screw for stability. The translating cell has SM1 (1.035"-40) threading for attaching Ø1" lens tubes or mounting Ø1" (25 mm) optics up to 0.55" (14 mm) thick using the included SM1RR Retaining Ring, which can be tightened using an SPW602 or SPW606 Spanner Wrench (sold separately). The rotating dial has tapped 4-40 holes for attaching the K6A1 (sold separately below). In testing, the K6XS was shown to drift less than 15 µrad in 48 hours at typical environmental conditions, with a 2 °C temperature fluctuation. The X and Y axes cause less than ±10 µm of crosstalk when translated over their full range. If higher adjustment resolution is desired, the three 1/4"-80 adjusters used for tip/tilt translation can be switched with DAS110 or DM22 Differential Adjusters. ![]() ![]()
The KC1-T offers three adjusters with independently locking setscrews. The rugged mechanical design provides excellent stability when mounted in a cage system or on a post. Both the front and rear plates have been machined with four clearance holes designed for direct compatibility with our 30 mm cage system standards. The rear plate provides locking setscrews to clamp to cage rods for secure positioning. The cage rod holes in the front plate are sufficiently oversized to allow ±4º tip and tilt without interference with the rods. The KC1-T has an SM1 (1.035"-40) center tap for mounting optics and is compatible with our SM1-Series Lens Tubes and related accessories. Two SM1RR Retaining Rings are included with the KC1-T and can be used to mount a Ø1" optic up to 5.5 mm thick. Thicker optics can be mounted by using an SM1-series lens tube. ![]() ![]() A KCB1 and high power beamsplitter cube with a beam path enclosed by an aluminum lens tube cover and two C128CC clamps.
The KCB1(/M) cube provides kinematic tip and tilt of an optic held in a mounting plate whose mean horizontal position is at a 45° angle. Entrance and exit ports are equipped with an SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) bore. The KCB1(/M) has eight 4-40 tapped holes center-to-center spaced to mate with our 30 mm cage system standard. ERSCB ER Rod Adapters are necessary to effectively connect, adjust, and lock two of these right angle cage mounts together within the cage system. The kinematic tip and tilt adjustment plate on these cubes is actuated with 100 TPI (Threads per Inch) adjustment screws that allow for smooth, high-resolution movement of 0.01" (0.254 mm) per rotation. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. A nylon-tipped setscrew is used to secure Ø1" (25.4 mm) optics using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mounts' rear-loading, double-bored hole. The rear loading design does not limit the maximum thickness of the mounted optic and the mounted optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. The minimum thickness for optics that can be secured by these mounts is 0.12" (3 mm), and optics thinner than 0.12" (3 mm) will need to be combined with an optic spacer. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KCB1C Mount with Smooth Bores (Right) Directly Attached to a KCB1 Mount with Tapped Holes (Left)
The KCB1C(/M) cube provides kinematic tip and tilt of an optic held in a mounting plate whose mean horizontal position is at a 45° angle. Entrance and exit ports are equipped with an SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) bore and four 0.25" (6.35 mm) deep smooth bore holes center-to-center spaced to mate with our 30 mm cage system standard. The cage rods are secured by eight setscrews using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. This design allows multiple 30 mm cage components to be directly interfaced without the need for ERSCB ER Rod Adapters. The kinematic tip and tilt adjustment plate on these cubes is actuated with removable 100 TPI (Threads per Inch) adjustment screws that allow for smooth, high-resolution movement of 0.01" (0.254 mm) per rotation. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. A nylon-tipped setscrew is used to secure Ø1" (25.4 mm) optics using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mounts' rear-loading, double-bored hole. This hole features a clearance cut that provides a maximum clear aperture for any transmitted light and allows easy access to mounted optics. The rear loading design does not limit the thickness of the mounted optic and the mounted optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. The minimum thickness for optics that can be secured by these mounts is 0.12" (3 mm), and optics thinner than 0.12" (3 mm) will need to be combined with an optic spacer. ![]()
The KCB1E(/M) right-angle mount provides pitch and yaw adjustment for a 1" (25.4 mm) elliptical optic held in a mounting plate whose nominal horizontal position is at a 45° angle. The ports are equipped with SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) bores and four 4-40 tapped holes center-to-center spaced to mate with our 30 mm Cage System standard. The kinematic pitch and yaw adjustment plate is actuated with 100 TPI (Threads per Inch) adjustment screws that provide angular resolution of 7.6 mrad/rev. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. While the optic face is nominally centered within the mount, the third adjuster can be used for fine tuning the position along the optical axis. A nylon-tipped adjustment screw and a nylon-coated spring clip are used to secure 1" (25.4 mm) elliptical optics using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mount's rear-loading, double-bored hole. The rear loading design ensures that the optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. These mounts were designed for a 6 mm thick optic. We offer dielectric and metallic elliptical mirrors, which are compatible with these mounts. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KCB1EC(/M) Mounts have Smooth Bores for Cage Rods
The KCB1EC(/M) right-angle mount provides pitch and yaw adjustment for a 1" (25.4 mm) elliptical optic held in a mounting plate whose nominal horizontal position is at a 45° angle. The ports are equipped with SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) bores and four 0.25" (6.35 mm) deep smooth bore holes spaced to mate with our 30 mm cage system standard. The cage rods are secured by eight setscrews using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. This design allows multiple 30 mm cage components to be directly interfaced without the need for ERSCB ER Rod Adapters. The kinematic pitch and yaw adjustment plate is actuated with 100 TPI (Threads Per Inch) adjustment screws that provide angular resolution of 7.6 mrad/rev. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. While the optic face is nominally centered within the mount, the third adjuster can be used for fine tuning the position along the optical axis. A nylon-coated spring clip is used to secure 1" (25.4 mm) elliptical optics using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mount's rear-loading, double-bored hole. The rear loading design ensures that the optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. These mounts were designed to hold a 6 mm thick elliptical optic. We offer dielectric and metallic elliptical mirrors, which are compatible with these mounts. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge KCB1P Mounting Plate and Housing Body Shown with Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror (Sold Separately)
The KCB1P(/M) right-angle mount provides pitch and yaw adjustment for a Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) off-axis parabolic (OAP) mirror mounted on a plate that positions the surface of the mirror at a 45° angle. The ports are equipped with SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) bores and four 0.25" (6.35 mm) deep smooth bore holes spaced to mate with our 30 mm cage system. The cage rods are secured by eight setscrews using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver. This design allows multiple 30 mm cage components to be directly interfaced without the need for ERSCB ER Rod Adapters. The kinematic pitch and yaw adjustment plate is actuated with 100 TPI (Threads Per Inch) adjustment screws that provide an angular resolution of 7.6 mrad/rev. The knob on each adjuster is removable. While the optic face is nominally centered within the mount, the third adjuster can be used for fine tuning the position along the optical axis. Three captive 4-40 cap screws in the optic mounting plate are used to secure the Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) off-axis parabolic mirror using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key or balldriver. The rear-loading, removable mounting plate features our ball and V-groove design that allows it to be precisely kinematically positioned on the body of the mount. The plate and mount are held together using pairs of rare-earth magnets. Once mounted, the plate can be firmly secured in place using the captive locking screw with 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex on the back. The rear-loading design ensures that the optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. The back of the mounting plate offers an engraved label for marking details about the installed mirror such as the focal length or part number. The mounting plate also features through bores for OAP mirrors with holes for the focused or collimated beams, though we do not currently stock these mirrors in a Ø1" form factor. To request a quote for custom Ø1" OAP mirrors with holes, please contact Tech Support. ![]() The photos above show the KC45D gimbal mirror mount in different 30 mm cage system configurations.
The KC45D Gimbal Mirror Mount is designed to allow a Ø1" optic to be rotated about a point in the center of a 30 mm cage assembly with true gimbal motion. The optic holder is free to rotate through 360º. Once its coarse angular orientation is set, the fine adjustment mechanism (i.e., two 100 TPI adjusters offering an adjustment per revolution of 13 mrad/rev) can be used for precise alignment, using the HKTS-5/64 hex key thumbscrew or any other 5/64" hex key or balldriver. The second angular degree of freedom is achieved by rotation of an intermediate saddle. This saddle connects the optic holder to the cage assembly and is free to rotate ±30º.The optic is secured against the back lip of the SM1 (1.035"-40) center tapped region using the included SM1RR Retaining Ring. ![]()
The GM100 gimbal mount for Ø1" optics is designed for intra-cavity use. 50 divisions per revolution graduated adjustment knobs are located on the top surface of the mount, making them easily accessible even if the mount is integrated into an optical cavity. This design provides pure rotational motion without angular or positional crosstalk. ![]()
The GMB1 Gimbal Mirror Mount, which is designed to hold Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) optics up to 0.25" (6.4 mm) thick, features true gimbal motion in order to eliminate crosstalk when steering a beam of light. The point of rotation for both axes is located at the center of the mounted optic’s surface. Utilizing locking thumbscrews and fine pitch adjusters, the GMB1 offers both coarse adjustment and fine tuning. The coarse adjustment allows 360° of manual positioning for both angular degrees of freedom. The fine adjustment allows for ±15° of control, with rotation of the control knob yielding 1° of angular displacement per revolution. The yaw can be adjusted in a similar fashion using the thumbscrew and setscrew closest to the post. After the desired pitch and yaw position is established, the entire mount can be easily locked into place by tightening both thumbscrews and both setscrews. The minimal profile of this mount is ideal for tight beam paths. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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