Waveguide Mounts

• Eight User-Selectable Vacuum Ports Provide Support for a Broad Range of Optic Sizes
• Small, Compact Design Allows Easy Access to your Planar Optical Element

The HWV001 waveguide holder utilizes a vacuum to provide the holding force when securing planar waveguide devices. The mount consists of a platform, into which a series of connected holes are provided. A series of conical-tipped setscrews (compatible with a 1.5 mm hex key) are included to block the unused ports. By removing just the setscrews that will lie underneath the optical element, a vacuum-generated holding force, appropriate for the size of the component, will be available. The vacuum connection is designed for tubing with a 1/16" inner diameter or the closest metric equivalent. The strength of vacuum required is dependent on the specific application; however a high vacuum should not be used as the anodization of the mount may negatively impact the pumping equipment.

• Accepts Thin Rectangular Elements 4 - 38 mm Wide and <2 mm Thick
• 3-Point Contact via Precision-Ground Chromium Steel Balls
• Adjustable Holding Force Provided by a Beveled Spring-Loaded Plunger

The HWS001 adjustable waveguide mount, while originally intended for use with planar waveguides, is useful for mounting a broad range of optical devices. Any thin (<2 mm thick) rectangular device requiring integration into an optical system utilizing a Thorlabs' multi-axis flexure stage can be mounted in this holder, provided the width of the device is less than 38 mm. This broad range of sizes is supported by moving the two sliding platforms to within a few millimeters of the width of the device and then locking them into position with the setscrews. The holding force is supplied by a spring-loaded plunger that pushes the optical element against two, angled, white plastic pegs. A kinematic three-point contact is also achieved using three hardened chromium steel balls as optical support points.

Note. The HWS001 is not compatible with the MBT401 4-axis Device Platform

• 10 mm and 35 mm Lengths
• Please Call Tech Support for a Quote to Customize One of These Mounts

Our standard waveguide mounts are used to mount customer-supplied waveguide devices. All waveguide mounts are supplied with a tongue that fits snugly into the locating slots of the nanopositioner platforms or brackets. Users can glue experimental devices directly to the waveguide mounts. All mounts are 9.5 mm high, with 3 mm clearance to the nominal optical axis, and 32 mm wide. All of the plain waveguide mounts are designed to accommodate different sized devices while allowing access for single mode fibers or microscope objectives.

While we offer an extensive line of fiber launch and waveguide accessories, it is difficult to anticipate all of the possible requirements that may arise for customers. Hence, we have added these simple components, which ease the production of one-of-a-kind mounting accessories. As can be seen in the photograph to the left, the front surface of each blank is clearly marked with witness lines, which are centered on the 12.5 mm high optical axis of our multi-axis flexure systems.

Click for Details
Accessories mounted in close proximity using the AMA110 Mounting Block.

Lockdown Clamps
Item #	AMA010	AMA010/M	AMA110	AMA110/M	AMA111
Included Hardware	6-32 Cap Screw (x15) M3.5 Washer (x15)	M3 Cap Screw (x15) M3 Washer (x15)	6-32 Nylon Tip Setscrew (x12) 6-32 Cap Screw (x4)	M3 Nylon Tip Setscrew (x12) M3 Cap Screw (x4)	6-32 Cap Screw (x2) M3 Cap Screw (x2) M3.5 Washer (x2) M3 Washer (x2) 7/64" Hex Key 2.5 mm Hex Key
Mechanical Diagram (Click for Details)

Click to Enlarge
Close proximity mounting using the AMA010 Cleat and AMA111 Clamp.

• Secures Components to NanoMax, MicroBlock, or RollerBlock Stages
• Cleats for Mounting Single Components
• Mounting Blocks and Clamps for Close Proximity Mounting of Multiple Components

The AMA010(/M) Cleats have a flat milled along one side. To lock an accessory along the center alignment groove, rotate the cleat so that the flat is facing the groove. Place the accessory into the groove between the cleats, rotate the cleat so that the rounded edge covers the edge of the mount, and lock down the 6-32 (M3) locking screw and washer. The cleats can be rotated without needing to remove the locking screws. See the animation to the right for details. The included screws are 5/16" (8 mm) long and are used with a 3/32" (2.5 mm) hex key.

For mounting multiple components in close proximity, we offer the AMA110 mounting blocks. These mounting blocks feature a line of nylon-tipped setscrews to secure components, and allow for easy repositioning and very close mounting. The blocks are secured via two holes and are supplied with either 6-32 or M3 cap screws.

The AMA111 Narrow Device Mounting Clamps offer an alternative solution when devices need to be mounted close together. They are secured using an M3.5 or M3 washer and a 6-32 or M3 cap screw, compatible with a 7/64" or 2.5 mm hex key, respectively.