Features

• Two Models to Choose From:
  • Thin Profile MBT401D(/M) is Ideal for Aligning a Device Between Two Coupling Stages
  • Low Profile MBT402D(/M) Provides Maximum Clearance for Height-Limited Applications
• High-Resolution Differential Micrometer Drives
• Grooved Top Plate Ensures Alignment of Multi-Axis Stage Accessories
• Add-On Translation Axis Stage Available for Construction of 5-Axis Systems

Thorlabs' 4-Axis MicroBlock™ Stages are designed for precise orientation of photonics components with respect to one of our high-performance multi-axis stages. When combined with any of our 3-axis stages (MicroBlock , NanoMax™ , or RollerBlock™), these 4-axis stages are ideal for high-performance fiber launch or single mode waveguide coupling applications that require micron resolution. They provide the four adjustments, two translation and two rotation, required to align two optic axes. These four independent degrees of freedom provide 13 mm of horizontal translation, 6 mm of vertical translation, and 10° of pitch and yaw adjustment. The longer range of the fine, ball bearing horizontal adjustment allows for motion across the full width of a waveguide device. The vertical and rotational adjustments are based on a flexure design for precise, smooth, continuous motion with negligible friction and no backlash.

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4-Axis MBT402D Low-Profile Stage with an HWV001 Waveguide Mount Between Two 3-Axis MBT616D Stages with HFV001 and HFV002 V-Groove Fiber Holders

For direct compatibility with our 3-axis families of stages, the 4-axis MicroBlock stages have a 62.5 mm deck height. When used with a 3-axis stage for a coupling application, these 4-axis stages are recommended for the static positioning of an optical element or device; any optimization of the coupling efficiency should be accomplished by using the 3-axis system to position the input/output device. An example of this type of system can be seen in the image to the right. For compatibility with our 6-Axis NanoMax Stages, the AMA554 Height Adapter can be used to raise the deck height of the 4-axis stages to 112.5 mm.

The thin-profile MBT401D(/M) MicroBlock Stage is recommended for applications in which space is at a premium. The narrow 3.58" (91.0 mm) width of this stage makes it ideal for use between two closely spaced coupling stages. In addition, the platform on this stage pivots about a point on the optical axis, which is at a height of 75 mm. In contrast, the low-profile MBT402D(/M) MicroBlock Stage has a shorter 3.73" (94.7 mm) overall height while maintaining the same 62.5 mm deck height. The moving platform on this stage offers fourteen 6-32 (M3 x 0.5) tapped holes for mounting multi-axis stage accessories, but it does not pivot about any point on the system's optical axis. This stage is accessible from three of the four sides, maximizing the free space available for additional equipment that your system may require.

Additional Translation Axis for Building 5-Axis Stages
The MBT501 Additional Translation Axis Stage for 4-Axis MicroBlock Stages provides a third translational degree of freedom for our MBT401D(/M) or MBT402D(/M) stages. This extra translation axis is orthogonal to the two translational adjustments allowed by the stock 4-axis stages and allows for precise positioning of components along the system's optical axis. The additional degree of freedom provides 13 mm (0.51") of ball bearing travel that is actuated with a differential drive. The addition of the fifth axis increases the deck height of the stage to 112.5 mm and the height of the optical axis to 125 mm (4.92"), providing compatibility with our 6-axis NanoMax stages.

Precision Drives
The MBT401D(/M) and MBT402D(/M) stages and the MBT501 additional translation axis stage include precision differential micrometer adjusters. These differential drives include two large knobs for coarse and fine adjustment. The coarse adjustment provides travel at 500 µm per revolution, while the fine adjustment provides 300 µm of travel at nominally 50 µm per revolution.

Easy Alignment of Accessories
A wide range of accessories, shown below, is available to mount and align items such as microscope objectives, collimation packages, waveguides, and fiber to the top of the 4-axis stages. The stage incorporates a central keyway that allows for rapid system reconfiguration while maintaining accessory alignment throughout the experiment.

Multi-Axis Stage Accessories
Fiber Mounts	Fiber Rotators	Waveguide Mounts	Diode Mounts	Fixed Mounts	Kinematic Mounts	Top Platesa	Extension Platforms	Fiber Chucks	Slide Holdersa	Kinematic Platforms	Adapter Plates

• These items are not compatible with 4-Axis MicroBlock stages.

Multi-Axis Stage Selection Guide

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In the above application, a 3-Axis NanoMax flexure stage is aligned in front of a 6-axis stage at the proper 112.5 mm deck height using an AMA554 Height Adapter.

3-Axis Stages
Thorlabs offers three different 3-Axis Stage variations: NanoMax flexure stages, MicroBlock compact flexure stages, and RollerBlock long-travel stages. Each stage features a 62.5 mm nominal deck height. Our NanoMax line of 3-axis stages offers built-in closed- and open-loop piezos as well as modular drive options that include stepper motors, differential drives, or additional piezos. The MicroBlock stages are available with differential micrometer drives or fine thread thumbscrews; these drives are not removable. Finally, our RollerBlock stage drivers can be switched out for any actuator that has a Ø3/8" (9.5 mm) mounting barrel.

4- and 5-Axis Stages
Our 4- and 5-axis stages are ideal for the static positioning of waveguides or complex optical elements with respect to our 3-axis or 6-axis high-performance alignment stages. Thorlabs' 5-axis stages have nominal heights of 62.5 mm or 112.5 mm. The AMA554 Height Adapter can be used to raise the deck height of the 3-axis or 4-axis stages to 112.5 mm for compatibility with our 5-axis MicroBlock or 6-Axis NanoMax Stages.

6-Axis Stages
Thorlabs' 6-Axis NanoMax Nanopositioners are ideal for complex, multi-axis positioning and have a nominal deck height of 112.5 mm. These stages offer a common point of rotation and a patented parallel flexure design that allows all actuators to be coupled directly to the base to minimize any unwanted motion in the system. Built-in closed- and open-loop piezo options are available. A selection of modular drive options allows any axis to be manual or motorized with the option for external piezos. Our units without included actuators are also available in right- or left-handed configurations. To increase the stage height of the 3-axis stages to 112.5 mm, we recommend our AMA554 Height Adapter, shown in the image to the right.

A complete selection and comparison of our multi-axis stages is available below.

3-Axis Stages