Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis^® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

Kinesis GUI Screen

APT GUI Screen

Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.25

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

• Communications Protocol

Software

APT Version 3.21.4

The APT Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' APT™ and Kinesis system controllers.

Also Available:

• Communications Protocol

Manual Linear Translation Stages

Thorlabs' manual translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from less than 1/4" (6 mm) to 2" (50 mm) and longer for our long travel, large area platforms. Many of these stages can be ordered in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our Multi-Axis Stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard manual translation stages. In addition to linear translation stages, we offer rotation stages, pitch and yaw platforms, and goniometers. We also offer motorized translation stages that are powered by DC Servo motors, stepper motors, or direct drive technology.

Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages

These linear translation stages feature crossed roller bearings travel mechanisms for precision motion, high load capacity, and low angular deviation. The LNR Series stages feature all-steel body construction, while the LX, XRN, and XR Series stage bodies are constructed of aluminum.

Crossed-Roller Bearing Stages
Product Family	LNR Series 25 mm Stages	LX Series 25 mm Stages	XRN Series 25 mm Stages	XR Series 25 mm Stages	XR Series 50 mm Stages	LNR Series 50 mm Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	25 mm (0.98")	25 mm (0.98")	25 mm (0.98")	25 mm (0.98")	50 mm (1.97")	50 mm (1.97")
Drive Type	Multiple	Micrometer	Micrometer	Micrometer	Micrometer	Multiple
Platform Size	2.34" x 2.36" (59.4 mm x 60.0 mm)	2.56" x 2.56" (65.0 mm x 65.0 mm)	2.00" x 3.35" (50.7 mm x 85.0 mm)	2.98" x 4.33" (75.7 mm x 110.0 mm)	2.98" x 5.51" (75.7 mm x 140.0 mm)	3.94" x 3.94" (100.0 mm x 100.0 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XZ, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Ball Bearing Stages

These translation stages feature hardened steel linear bearings for precise motion and long life. They are available with a variety of actuators and in single-axis or preassembled multi-axis configurations.

Ball Bearing Stages
Product Family	MS Series 1/4" Stages	T12 Series 1/2" Stages	MT Series 1/2" Stages	PT Series 1" Stages	LT Series 2" Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	1/4" (6.4 mm)	1/2" (12.7 mm)	1/2" (12.7 mm)	1" (25.4 mm)	2" (50 mm)
Drive Type	Multiple	Thumbscrew	Multiple	Multiple	Differential Micrometer
Platform Size	1.17" x 1.17" (29.7 mm x 29.7 mm)	0.76" x 0.81" (19.3 mm x 20.6 mm)	2.40" x 2.41" (61.0 mm x 61.2 mm)	3.00" x 4.00" (76.2 mm x 101.6 mm)	3.75" x 3.75" (95.3 mm x 95.3 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Dovetail Stages

These compact stages incorporate dovetails and a leadscrew for the translation mechanism. They are suitable in general purpose motion control applications.

Dovetail Stages
Product Family	DT Series 1/2" Stages	DTS Series 1" Stage	DTS Series 2" Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	1/2" (12.7 mm)	1" (25 mm)	2" (50 mm)
Drive Type	Thumbscrew	Thumbscrew	Thumbscrew
Platform Size	1.00" x 1.00" (25.4 mm x 25.4 mm)	2.68" x 2.95" (68.0 mm 75.0 mm)	2.68" x 3.74" (68.0 mm x 95.0 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Flexure Stages

Thorlabs' Nanoflex™ translation stages feature frictionless flexure mechanisms for improved positioning and resolution when compared to similar stages made using bearings. The translation of the stage is accomplished by the elastic deformation (flexing) of a linkage attached to the mounting platform. Most models also include piezo actuators for small position adjustments.

Flexure Stages
Product Family	Nanoflex™ 1.5 mm Stage	Nanoflex™ 5 mm Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	1.5 mm (0.06") + 25 µm Piezo	5 mm (0.20")	5 mm (0.20") + 20 µm Piezo
Drive Type	Thumbscrew and Piezo Actuator	Differential Micrometer	Differential Micrometer and Open-Loop Piezo Actuator	Differential Micrometer and Closed-Loop Piezo Actuator
Platform Size	1.18" x 1.18" (30.0 mm x 30.0 mm)	2.95" x 2.95" (75.0 mm x 75.0 mm)
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

Vertical Stages

We offer vertical translation stages with crossed roller bearings for precise motion as well as long travel vertical stages for heavy-duty applications.

Vertical Stages
Product Family	MVS Series 1/2" Vertical Stage	MVS Series 1" Vertical Stage	VAP Series 4" and 10" Vertical Stages
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	1/2" (13.0 mm)	1" (25.0 mm)	4" (101.6 mm)	10" (254 mm)
Drive Type	Micrometer	Micrometer	Adjuster Knob and Coarse Manual Positioning
Platform Size	2.36" x 2.36" (60.0 mm x 60.0 mm)		3.00" x 6.00" (76.2 mm 152.4 mm)
Additional Details

Motorized Linear Translation Stages

Thorlabs' motorized linear translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from a stage with 20 µm of piezo translation to our 600 mm direct drive stage. Many of these stages can be assembled in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our multi-axis stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard motorized translation stages. In addition to motorized linear translation stages, we offer motorized rotation stages, pitch and yaw platforms, and goniometers. We also offer manual translation stages.

Piezo Stages

These stages incorporate piezoelectric elements in a variety of drive mechanisms. Our Nanoflex™ translation stages use standard piezo chips along with manual actuators. Our LPS710E z-axis stage features a mechanically amplified piezo design and includes a matched controller. The PD1 stage incorporates a piezo inertia drive that uses "stick-slip" friction properties to obtain an extended travel range. The Elliptec™ stages use resonant piezo motors to push and pull the moving platform through resonant elliptical motion.

Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family	Nanoflex™ 20 µm Stage with 5 mm Actuator	Nanoflex™ 25 µm Stage with 1.5 mm Actuator	LPS710E 1.1 mm Z-Axis Stage	PD1 20 mm Stage	Elliptec™ 28 mm Stage	Elliptec™ 60 mm Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	20 µm + 5 mm Manual	25 µm + 1.5 mm Manual	1.1 mm	20 mm	28 mm	60.0 mm
Maximum Velocity	-		-	3 mm/s	180 mm/s	90 mm/s
Drive Type	Piezo with Manual Actuator		Amplified Piezo	Piezoelectric Inertia Drive	Resonant Piezoelectric Motor
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ		-	X, XY, XYZ	X
Additional Details

Stepper Motor Stages

These translation stages feature removable or integrated stepper motors and long travel ranges up to 300 mm. The MLJ150 stage also offers high load capacity vertical translation. The other stages can be assembled into multi-axis configurations.

Stepper Motor Stages
Product Family	LNR Series 25 mm Stage	LNR Series 50 mm Stage	MLJ150 50 mm Vertical Stage	NRT Series 100 mm Stage	NRT Series 150 mm Stage	LTS Series 150 mm Stage	LTS Series 300 mm Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	25 mm	50 mm	50 mm	100 mm	150 mm	150 mm	300 mm
Maximum Velocity	2.0 mm/s	50 mm/s	3.0 mm/s	30 mm/s		50 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	-	X, XY, XYZ		X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

DC Servo Motor Stages

Thorlabs offers linear translation stages with removable or integrated DC servo motors. These stages feature low profiles and can be assembled in multi-axis configurations.

DC Servo Motor Stages
Product Family	MT Series 12 mm Stages	PT Series 25 mm Stages	MTS Series 25 mm Stage	MTS Series 50 mm Stage	KVS30 30 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	12 mm	25 mm	25 mm	50 mm	30 mm
Maximum Velocity	2.6 mm/s		2.4 mm/s		8.0 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ		X, XY, XYZ		-
Additional Details

Direct Drive Stages

These low-profile stages feature integrated brushless DC servo motors for high speed translation with zero backlash. When no power is applied, the platforms of these stages have very little inertia and are virtually free running. Hence these stages may not be suitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when the power is off. We do not recommend mounting these stages vertically.

Direct Drive Stages
Product Family	DDS Series 220 mm Stage	DDS Series 300 mm Stage	DDS Series 600 mm Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	220 mm	300 mm	600 mm
Maximum Velocity	300 mm/s	400 mm/s	400 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY	X	X
Additional Details