Filter Holders for Plate Optics


  • Securely Holds Filters, Test Targets, or Beam Targets
  • Nylon-Coated Spring Clips or Nylon-Tipped Setscrews Prevent Damage to Optics

DH1

Compact Dual Filter Holder

FH2D

Stackable Dual Filter Holder

SFH2

Quick-Release Filter Mount

SFH3

Stackable 2” Filter Holder

FFM1

Dichroic Filter Mount

Application Idea

XYF1 Translating Filter Mount Holding an NDL-10S-4 Step Variable ND Filter

Related Items


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Filter Mount
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550 nm Colored Glass Filter Held with a SFH3 Fixed Filter Mount

Features

  • Filter Mounts Securely Hold a Variety of Plate Optics
  • Support Filter Thicknesses up to 0.58" (14.7 mm)
  • Various Options Available; See Table Below for Details
Filter Mount
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VRC2 Detector Card Mounted Using an FH2 Filter Mount

Thorlabs offers a wide variety of filter mounts that are ideal for securely mounting an optic up to 0.58" (14.7 mm) thick in an optomechanical assembly. They are ideal for mounting ND filters or colored glass filters. These mounts can also hold temporary beam blocks, beam targets, or laser viewing cards, as shown in the image to the left. All filter holders, with exception of the PC2(/M) Flexure Plate Clamp and the FFM1 Dichroic Mount, include an 8-32 (M4) tap or #8 (M4) counterbore for mounting to a Ø1/2" post. They are rugged and solid, enabling permanent use within an assembly.

A variety of filter mount options are available, and can be quickly chosen using the table below. Several mounts feature a stackable design that allows multiple filter mounts to be attached together using two 8-32 cap screws of the appropriate length and two nuts. The SFH2 quick-release filter is ideal for applications that require frequent switching between filters. Our compact filter holders are recommended for any application with tight space constraints. For rigid cage system assemblies, we offer a 60 mm cage compatible filter mount that can hold two 2" (50 mm) square filters simultaneously. Finally, two plate holders are offered that can hold plates as thick as 0.58" (14.7 mm) and are ideal for large exposure plates or filters.

Thorlabs also offers Translation Mounts for Rectangular Optics with options for mounting rectangular optics from 12.7 mm (1/2") to 126.2 mm (5") wide and up to 0.16" (4 mm) thick. The XF50(/M) and XF100(/M) offer 50 mm (1.97") and 100 mm (3.94") translation along a single axis, respectively, while the XYF1(/M) provides translation over a 50 mm x 30 mm (1.97" x 1.18") area.

Item # DH1(/M) PC2(/M) FH2 / FH2D SFH3 LCP05(/M) SFH2 FFM1 / LFFM1 FP01 / FP02 XF50(/M) / XF100(/M)XYF1(/M)
Feature Compact Compact Stackable Stackable Cage Compatible Quick-Release Cage Cube
Compatible
Thick Plate Translating
Compatible Filter Thickness ≤0.08" (2.0 mm)
One Optic

≤0.06" (1.5 mm)
Two Optics
0.03" - 0.09"
(0.8 - 2.3 mm)
≤0.08" (2.0 mm)
One Optic

≤0.06" (1.5 mm)
Two Optics (FH2D Only)
0.04" - 0.19"
(1 - 5 mm)
≤0.16"
(4 mm)
≤0.16"
(4 mm)
≤0.12" (3.0 mm)
for FFM1

≤0.16" (4.0 mm)
for LFM1
≤0.58"
(14.7 mm)
≤0.16"
(4 mm)
Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
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 Scale

Vernier 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.

Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
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.
Figure 1: Vernier scale measuring 76.0
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.

Posted Comments:
jale.schneider  (posted 2018-07-31 10:21:44.14)
Dear Dir or Madam, is your holders (for example SFH2) compatible with very thin samples as well? I need a holder for a 300 um thick silicon wafer which is particularly fragile. Do you have other recommendations? Thank you very much Jale schneider
YLohia  (posted 2018-07-31 09:52:06.0)
Hello Jale, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we do not have any specific suggestions for fragile silicon wafers this thin. That being said, your best bet would be the FP02, which has Delrin tips on the clamping screws to minimize stress.
akuznetsov  (posted 2018-02-20 21:00:08.89)
Please specify on the website and in the drawings what the clamping screw thread is. I think it's 1/4"-20, but not sure.
YLohia  (posted 2018-03-30 08:55:33.0)
Response from Yashasvi at Thorlabs USA: Hello, thank you for your feedback. The clamping screw thread for the FP01 is #10-32-2A.
andrey.kuznetsov  (posted 2016-08-04 14:00:52.497)
What is the thinnest the clamp can be closed to repeatedly without damage? It can hold up to 2.3mm, but what about the minimum, since it's made from aluminium, seems like it's not going to be very flexible to hold thin objects.
ilyabaskin  (posted 2014-02-07 00:05:00.2)
Dear Thorlabs , How would you recommend to stack the SFH3 filter mounts ?
jlow  (posted 2014-02-07 04:20:23.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: You can stack multiple SFH3 together by using the two #8 holes near the bottom of the mount. Put two #8-32 cap screws with appropriate length through the bottom two holes, stack the number of filter mounts you want, and then put two nuts on the other end.

Compact Filter Mount

Filter Holder
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DH1 Holding a VRC5 IR Viewing Card
Filter Mount
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DH1 Mechanical Drawing
  • Compact Size: 0.31" x 0.5" x 1.2" (8 mm x 12.7 mm x 30 mm)
  • Holds Two Thin Cards or Filters Simultaneously
  • Maximum Filter Thickness: 0.06" (1.5 mm) with Two Optics, 0.08" (2.0 mm) with One Optic
  • Mounts Directly to Ø1/2" Post via an 8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole

This compact filter mount can hold two viewing cards or filters up to 0.06" (1.5 mm) thick simultaneously. It holds a single filter or viewing card, as shown in the image to the right, up to 0.08" (2.0 mm) thick. The soft, nylon-coated spring clips provide a secure holding force without damaging the filter. Its small size and thin profile allow this mount to be positioned within space-constrained optical setups; see the mechanical drawing to the right for more size specifications.

The DH1 provides an 8-32 (M4) tapped hole in its base for mounting directly to our Ø1/2" posts.

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DH1 Support Documentation
DH1Compact Dual Filter Holder, 8-32 Tap
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DH1/M Support Documentation
DH1/MCompact Dual Filter Holder, M4 Tap
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Compact Flexure Plate Clamp

Filter Clamp
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The PC2(/M) can be mounted horizontally with the use of an RA90 angle clamp.
Filter Clamp Drawing
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PC2 Mechanical Drawing
  • Holds Optics between 0.8 mm and 2.3 mm Thick
  • Thumbscrew-Actuated Flexure Design for Clamping Plate
  • Compact Design Mounts Directly onto 1/4"-20 (M6) End of a Ø1/2" Post

This Flexure Plate Clamp is a simple, compact mount for a plate or other thin object. The clamp can hold components between 0.8 mm and 2.3 mm thick and can be tightened using the thumbscrew on the side. The clamping screw can also be tightened using a 9/64" hex key (3 mm hex on metric version). While the plate clamp is compatible with a number of optics including colored glass filters, neutral density filters, and test targets, please use extreme caution when mounting optics in the clamp, as the clamp is made from aluminum and overtightening can cause damage to the optic.

The clamp has a diameter of 0.50" at its base and a 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped hole on the bottom. See the mechanical drawing to the right for more size specifications. The clamp can fit directly into a Ø1/2" post holder or angle clamp for Ø1/2" posts, as shown in the image to the far right. The clamp can also fit directly onto the 1/4"-20 (M6) end of a Ø1/2" post, using a setscrew at least 1/2" (12 mm) long to attach the clamp and the post. The clamp has a Ø0.24" through hole that allows an ER rod to pass through. The ER rod can be used for fine alignment of the clamp's orientation.

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PC2Customer Inspired! Compact Flexure Plate Clamp, 1/4"-20 Tap
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PC2/MCustomer Inspired! Compact Flexure Plate Clamp, M6 Tap
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Filter Mount, Stackable

Filter Mount
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These filter mounts can be stacked together using two 8-32 cap screws of the correct length and two nuts, such as those in our HW-KIT1 Hardware Kit.
dimensions
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FH2 Mechanical Drawing
  • Maximum Filter Thickness:
    • FH2: 0.08" (2.0 mm)
    • FH2D: 0.06" (1.5 mm) with Two Optics, 0.08" (2.0 mm) with One Optic
  • FH2D Can Mount Two Filters Simultaneously
  • Mounts Directly to Ø1/2" post via a #8 (M4) Counterbored Hole
  • Stack Filter Holders Using the Two #8 (M4) Through Holes to Accommodate Multiple Filters

The FH2 and FHD2 Filter Mounts are ideal for firmly holding one or two optics, respectively. Each clip is nylon coated to help prevent damage to the optic being held. Each mount can hold any rectangular optic wider than 1.36" and of various thicknesses. The FH2 can hold optics up to 0.08" (2 mm) thick, while the FH2D can hold one filter up to 0.08" (2 mm) thick and two filters up to 0.06" (1.5 mm) thick. They are compatible with a number of rectangular optics including colored glass filters, neutral density filters (with thicknesses of 2 mm or less), dichroic mirrors/beamsplitters, fluorescent imaging filters, holography plates, and test targets.

Each mount provides a center-located counterbored hole for Ø1/2" post mounting with the included 8-32 (M4) cap screw. This allows mounting to both imperial and metric posts. Additionally, they both offer two through holes for use with #8 (M4) screws, allowing multiple mounts to be stacked together as shown in the photo to the right. They are ideal for use in OEM applications requiring fastening to a secure bulkhead.

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FH2 Support Documentation
FH2Filter Holder, Stackable
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FH2D Support Documentation
FH2DDual Filter Holder, Stackable
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Filter Mount for 2" (50.8 mm) Square Optics, Stackable

dimensions
Click to Enlarge

SFH3 Mechanical Drawing
  • Designed for 2" Square Filters
  • Compatible with Filters Larger than a 2" Square
  • Filter Thickness Range: 1 mm (0.04") to 5 mm (0.19")
  • Mounts Directly to Ø1/2" post via a #8 (M4) Counterbored Hole
  • Stack Filter Holders Using the Two #8 (M4) Through Holes to Accommodate Multiple Filters

The SFH3 Filter Mount is ideal for securely holding 2" square filters. The long support arms add stability to the filter and are nylon coated to prevent damage to the optic. The arms are spaced to hold any square optic wider than 2" (50.8 mm) with a thickness up to 0.19" (5 mm). These mounts are compatible with a number of square optics including, colored glass filters, neutral density filters (with thicknesses 2 mm or less), and test targets.

The mount has a center-located counterbored hole for Ø1/2" post mounting with the included 8-32 (M4) cap screw. This allows mounting to both imperial and metric posts. Additionally, it contains two through holes for use with #8 (M4) screws, allowing multiple mounts to be stacked together.

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SFH3Fixed Filter Holder for 2” Square Filters, Stackable
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Filter Mount for 2" (50.8 mm) Square Optics, Cage Compatible

  • Holds 2" (50.8 mm) Square Filters Up to 0.16" (4 mm) Thick
  • Mounts Up to 2 Filters Simultaneously
  • Four Ø6 mm Through Holes for 60 mm Cage Compatibility
  • Spring-Loaded Clips Hold Optic in Place and Enable Quick Removal
  • Mounts Directly to Ø1/2" Posts via an 8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole

This 60 mm Cage Plate, which has a Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) through hole (Ø1.65" [Ø42 mm] clear aperture), is designed to hold either 2" square or 50 mm square filters up to 4 mm thick. Since the mount is equipped with two spring clips on each side, a filter can be pressed up against either side of the clear aperture. Additional features include four through holes for cage rods as well as side-located locking setscrews to hold the rods in position. For added convenience, the mount is post-mountable via the #8-32 (M4) tapped hole on the bottom surface.

This filter holder is ideal for use with our 2" x 2" Unmounted Absorptive Neutral Density Filters, Square Colored Glass Filters or our 2" square test targets.

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LCP0560 mm Cage-Compatible Mount for 2" Square Filters Up to 4 mm Thick, 8-32 Tap
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LCP05/M60 mm Cage-Compatible Mount for 50 mm Square Filters Up to 4 mm Thick, M4 Tap
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Quick-Release Filter Mount for Rectangular Optics

Filter Holder
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SFH2 Holding a 0.09" (2.3 mm) Thick Neutral Density Filter
Optic Mount
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SFH2 Mechanical Drawing
  • Maximum Filter Thickness: 0.16" (4 mm)
  • Mounts Directly to Ø1/2" Posts via a #8 (M4) Counterbored Hole
  • Quick-Release Clips Have a Locking Setscrew for Added Long-Term Stability

The SFH2 Lockable Quick-Release Filter Holder is an ideal solution for applications that frequently need filters switched. Each arm has a 2-56 screw-actuated lock to adjust the holding force applied to the optic. These locking setscrews can be adjusted using the provided 0.035" hex key. This locking feature provides the long-term stability required for sensitive optical applications.

Both locking arms integrate rubber cushions that protect any mounted filters from damage, and can hold optics up to 0.16" (4 mm) thick. The design eliminates vertical stanchions associated with typical square filter mounts, such as those shown above, in order to provide maximum clear aperture. The mount has a center-located counterbored hole for Ø1/2" post mounting with the included 8-32 (M4) cap screw.

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Cage-Compatible Rectangular Filter Mounts

R2L2S3P3 Application
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An R2L2S3P3 Target Post Mounted via an FFM1 Filter Mount and a B3C Cube Base for Use in a Custom Imaging System
CM1-CC Application
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FFM1 Dichroic Filter Mount Holding a Dichroic Filter and mounted to a B3C Cube Platform mounted in a C6W Cube.
Item # FFM1 LFFM1
Optic Length Accommodated 26 - 43 mm (in C4W or C6W)
≥26 mm Post Mounted
30 - 53 mm in LC6W
≥30 mm Post Mounted
Optic Height Accommodated ≤1.26" (≤32 mm) in C4W
≤0.98" (≤25 mm) in C6W
≤2.5" (≤63.5 mm) in LC6W
Optic Thickness Accommodated 0.12" (3.0 mm) 0.16" (4.0 mm)
Post Mounting Two #4 Counterboresa #8 (M4) Counterbore
Cage-Compatible Mounting Platforms B3C(/M) or B4C(/M) LB3C(/M) or LB4C(/M)
  • An MSA8 or MSA4/M adapter is needed to mount the FFM1 to a Ø1/2" post.
  • Holds Rectangular or Square Filters up to 0.12" (3.0 mm) or 0.16" (4.0 mm) Thick
  • Two Spring-Loaded Clamping Mechanisms Secure Optic's Position
  • Can Mount Filters in a Post-Mounted or Cage Cube Configuration (See Table Below)

The FFM1 and LFFM1 Cage-Compatible Filter Holders are specifically designed to hold rectangular or square optics, such as dichroic filters, colored filters, beamsplitters, or ND filters.

Filters up to 0.12" (3.0 mm) or 0.16" (4.0 mm) thick and ≥26 mm or ≥30 mm long can be held in the FFM1 and LFFM1, respectively. These mounts use two spring-loaded clamping arms designed to avoid scratching of coated surfaces; simply apply a horizontal force to the spring-loaded clamps, seat the optic into the channel created, and release the clamps, which leaves the optic wedged between a stop and a clamp at each end.

Both the FFM1 and LFFM1 can be directly mounted on posts. The FFM1 can be mounted directly to a Mini Series Post using one of the included 4-40 or M3 cap screws and a #4 counterbore. To mount the filter holder to our Ø1/2" posts, which feature 8-32 (M4) threading, an MSA8 thread adapter is necessary (MSA4/M for metric posts). The LFFM1, however, can be directly mounted to Ø1/2" posts via the #8 (M4) counterbore that accepts 8-32 (M4) cap screws. 

Alternatively, the FFM1 and LFFM1 can be integrated into cage cube systems by using a cage-compatible mounting platform. The FFM1 is compatible with the B3C(/M) or B4C(/M) mounting platforms, while the LFFM1 is compatible with the LB3C(/M) or LB4C(/M) mounting platforms. The FFM1 can accommodate a rectangular or square optic from 26 to 43 mm in length when used with the C4W or C6W Cage Cube, while the LFFM1 can accommodate an optic from 30 to 53 mm in length when used with the LC6W Cage Cube. The height of an optic that can fit within a cage cube is determined by the height of the cube; please see the table to the right for specifications on optic dimensions.

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FFM1 Support Documentation
FFM1Customer Inspired! 30-mm-Cage-Compatible Rectangular Filter Mount
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LFFM1Customer Inspired! 60-mm-Cage-Compatible Rectangular Filter Mount
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Plate Holders

TZ3, Optic Tweezers
Click to Enlarge

FP02 Holder with a Filter
  • Maximum Plate Thickness: 0.58" (14.7 mm)
  • Delrin®* Tip to Minimize Stress
  • Holders Available in Two Different Widths:
    • FP01: 0.9" (23 mm) Wide with One Clamping Screw
    • FP02: 3.0" (76 mm) Wide with Two Clamping Screws

These general-purpose plate holders secure objects up to 0.58" thick. The clamping screws to secure the plate has a Delrin tip to prevent damage to the optic. The FP01 provides a center-located counterbore for 8-32 (M4) cap screws allows for fastening to our Ø1/2" Posts in addition to other general mounting platforms. For most stable mounting of larger objects, the FP02 features two 8-32 (M4) counterbores for fastening to our Ø1/2" Posts or other general mounting platforms, as well as a center-located mounting hole for a 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screw for direct mounting onto breadboards or other large mounts.

*Delrin® is a registered trademark of DuPont Polymers, Inc.

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FP01Plate Holder, 0.9" Wide, Holds Plates up to 0.58" Thick
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FP02Plate Holder, 3.0" Wide, Holds Plates up to 0.58" Thick
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One-Axis Translation Mounts for Rectangular Optics

Test Target Holder
Click to Enlarge

A channel allows for translation of the lockable support arms for accommodating optics with different widths.
  • Two Sizes Available:
    • XF50(/M) Mounts Optics from 12.7 mm to 76.2 mm Wide
    • XF100(/M) Mounts Optics from 12.7 mm to 126.2 mm Wide
  • Maximum Optic Thickness of 4 mm (0.16")
  • 50 mm or 100 mm Travel via Knurled Thumbscrew with 5/64" (2.0 mm) Hex
  • Vernier Scale Provides 100 µm Resolution
  • 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes Support Several Post-Mounted Orientations
  • Four Nylon-Tipped Setscrews Secure the Optic Between Two Mounting Arms

Thorlabs' One-Axis Rectangular Optic Mounts accept rectangular optics up to 4 mm (0.16") thick. The XF50(/M) offers 50 mm of travel and can mount optics from 12.7 mm (1/2") to 76.2 mm (3") wide. The XF100(/M) offers 100 mm of travel and can mount optics from 12.7 mm (1/2") to 126.2 mm (5") wide. These mounts are designed for use with our selection of resolution, distortion, slant edge, and calibration test targets. In addition, they are also compatible with our rectangular microscope slides, filters, dichroic mirrors, variable ND filters, and fluorescence imaging filters.

The actuator on the side of each mount enables travel along a single axis. The actuator can be adjusted by hand or with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key (not included). A vernier scale that provides a resolution of 100 µm allows for repeatable positioning of the mounted optic. The actuator can be locked by a side-located 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex setscrew. Seven 8-32 (M4) tapped holes support several possible mounting orientations when used with our Ø1/2" posts. The three tapped holes along the front face of the mount are through holes allowing a post to be mounted on either side. Three of the mounting faces feature tapped holes spaced so that two Ø1/2" posts in post holders can be used next to each other for added stability.

Optics are secured with two support arms that each contain two nylon-tipped setscrews with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex. Each support arm can slide along a channel in the mount to accommodate different optic sizes; a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex setscrew is used to lock each support arm in place. This mounting mechanism can be seen in the photo to the upper right. By loosening the top locking screws, the arms can be removed from the channel and interchanged, as shown in the image to the bottom left. When reattaching the arms, simply align each locking screw with one of the 2-56 captive nuts in the channel and tighten. This feature is useful in applications that require the target to be positioned close to a lens or other optical element in a system.

Please note that the support arms overlap the optic by 4.4 mm on each side.

Test Target Mount
Click to Enlarge

The support arms can be removed from the channel and interchanged by loosening the locking screws. 
Test Target Mount
Click to Enlarge

Each mount has seven 8-32 (M4) taps, allowing for several post-mountable orientations (see images to the right).

These Rectangular Optic Mounts can be used to position a rectangular optic horizontally, vertically, or perpendicular to the post axis and can be mounted using one or two posts.

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XF50One-Axis 50 mm Translation Mount for 12.7 mm - 76.2 mm Rectangular Optics, 8-32 Taps
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XF100One-Axis 100 mm Translation Mount for 12.7 mm - 126.2 mm Rectangular Optics, 8-32 Taps
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XF50/MOne-Axis 50 mm Translation Mount for 12.7 mm - 76.2 mm Rectangular Optics, M4 Taps
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XF100/MOne-Axis 100 mm Translation Mount for 12.7 mm - 126.2 mm Rectangular Optics, M4 Taps
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XY Translation Mount for Rectangular Optics

Test Target Holder
Click to Enlarge

A channel allows for translation of the lockable support arms for accommodating optics with different widths.
  • Compatible with 1/2" (12.7 mm) to 3" (76.2 mm) Wide Rectangular Optics
  • Maximum Optic Thickness of 0.16" (4 mm)
  • 50 mm (1.97") Horizontal Travel and 30 mm (1.18") Vertical Travel
  • Each Axis Includes a Vernier Scale that Provides 100 µm Resolution
  • 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes Support Six Post-Mounted Orientations
  • Four Nylon-Tipped Setscrews Secure the Optic Between Two Mounting Arms

Thorlabs' XYF1(/M) Test Target Positioning Mount accepts 1/2" (12.7 mm) to 3" (76.2 mm) wide rectangular optics up to 0.16" (4 mm) thick. The mount is ideal for general applications as well as home-built microscopy systems. It is designed for use with our selection of resolution, distortion, slant edge, and calibration test targets. In addition, it is also compatible with our rectangular microscope slides, filters, dichroic mirrors, variable ND filters, and fluorescence imaging filters.

Two actuators on the side of the mount enable manual positioning over a 50 mm (1.97") x 30 mm (1.18") area. These actuators can be adjusted by hand or with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key (not included). Each axis of translation is equipped with a vernier scale that provides a resolution of 100 µm, allowing for repeatable positioning of the mounted optic. Each actuator can be locked by a 5/64" (2 mm) hex setscrew. Five 8-32 (M4) tapped holes support six possible mounting orientations when used with our Ø1/2" posts, of which a selection are shown below.

Optics are secured with two support arms that each contain two 5/64" (2 mm) hex, nylon-tipped setscrews. Each support arm can slide along a channel in the mount to accommodate different optic sizes; a 5/64” (2 mm) hex setscrew is used to lock each support arm in place. This mounting mechanism can be seen in the photo to the upper right. By loosening the top locking screws, the arms can be removed from the channel and reversed, as shown in the image to the bottom left. When reattaching the arms, simply align each locking screw with one of the 2-56 captive nuts in the channel and tighten. This feature is useful in applications that require the target to be positioned close to a lens or other optical element in a system. 

Please note that the support arms overlap the optic by 4.4 mm on each side.

Test Target Mount
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The support arms can be removed from the channel and reversed by loosening the locking screws. 
Test Target Mount
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The XYF1 Mount has five 8-32 (M4) taps, allowing for six post-mountable orientations (see images to the right).

The XYF1 Mount can be used to position a test target horizontally, vertically, or perpendicular to the post axis.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
XYF1 Support Documentation
XYF1XY Mount for 1/2" - 3" Rectangular Optics, 8-32 Taps
$393.92
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+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
XYF1/M Support Documentation
XYF1/MXY Mount for 1/2" - 3" Rectangular Optics, M4 Taps
$393.92
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Last Edited: Apr 11, 2014 Author: Mike Y.