Polaris® Low-Distortion Kinematic Mirror Mounts for Ø4" Optics
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/Images/GuideImages/14612_POLARIS_K4_2.jpg)
- Full Cage Retention of the Optic
- Three Point Contact Base Provides Ultra-Stable Mounting
- Patent Pending Polished Sapphire and Stainless Steel Movement
POLARIS-K4F4
Low-Distortion
Ruggedized Optic Mount
2 Hex Adjusters
Application Idea
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![POLARIS-K4F4 Cut-Away Diagram](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/Polaris-K4F4-300.jpg)
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POLARIS-K4F4 Ø4" mount cutaway diagram. The optic retention pistons (located behind the optic) and side contact pistons (at the top of the mount) have springs and stress-reducing contacts (highlighted red and blue, respectively).
Features
- Machined from Stress-Relieved Stainless Steel with Matched Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTE)
- Bi-Metal Design to Achieve Ultra-Stable Beam Pointing Stability (US Patent 11,150,439)
- Spring-Dampened, Indexed, Three-Point-Axial-and-Radial Contact Optic Cell
- Low Optical Distortion Lens Cell (US Patent 9,599,786)
- Hardened Stainless Steel Ball Contacts with Sapphire Seats for Durability and Smooth Movement
- Matched Actuator/Body Pairs Provide Smooth Kinematic Adjustment
- Less than 5 µrad Deviation after Temperature Cycling Guaranteed (See Thermal Test Data Tab for Details)
- Passivated Stainless Steel Surface and Special Pure Metal (Dye Free and Plastics Free) High Temperature Anodizing Ideal for Vacuum and High-Power Laser Cavity Applications
- Low Mount-to-Optic Weight Ratio
- Mass Reduced Lens Cell for Improved Beam Pointing Stability
- Custom Mount Configurations are Available by Contacting Tech Support
The Polaris® Low-Distortion Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø4" Optics provides long-term pointing stability, while minimizing optic surface distortion introduced by the mount.
Optic Retention
Each mount features a faceplate with three padded contacts and two side contact pistons to mount the optic and reduce optical distortion compared to standard setscrew or retaining ring optic mount designs. Three padded spring-loaded pistons lock the optic in from behind, ensuring the optic is secure against significant thermal shock. See the Low Distortion tab and the Optic Installation tab for more details.
Polaris optic bores are precision machined to achieve a fit that will provide optimum beam pointing stability performance over changing environmental conditions such as temperature changes, transportation shock, and vibration. Each mount is designed to be used with an optic that is within +0"/-0.010" of the specified diameter; using an optic outside of this range will lead to diminished performance. For inquiries about mounts for other optic sizes, please contact Tech Support.
Design
The backplate is machined from heat-treated stainless steel, while the front plate is made from a superalloy aluminum, which has been aged for improved stability. The two-material design securely mounts the optic while also preventing stresses from forming in the optic due to extreme thermal shock. As shown on the Thermal Test Data tab, these mounts have undergone extensive testing to ensure high-quality performance. The Polaris ultra-stable design addresses the causes of beam misalignment in systems with extreme temperature fluctuation; please refer to the Design Features tab for detailed information.
Post Mounting
The Polaris Ø4" mirror mount includes three 1/4" (M6) counterbores for post mounting. See the Usage Tips tab for more recommendations about mounting configurations.
Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
The POLARIS-K4F4 is designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. See the Specs and the Design Features tabs for more information.
Item # | POLARIS-K4F4 |
---|---|
Optic Size | Ø4" +0"/-0.010" (Ø101.6 mm +0 mm/-0.25 mm) |
Optic Thickness | 0.750" ± 0.010" (19.05 mm ± 0.25 mm) |
Transmissive Clear Aperturea | Ø3.35" (Ø85.0 mm) |
Number of Adjusters | Two |
Adjuster Drive | 5 mm Hex Ø0.096" (Ø2.4 mm) Adjuster Side Holes |
Adjuster Thread | 9/16"-100 (100 TPI Matched Actuator/Body Pairs) |
Measured Point-to-Point Mechanical Resolution per Adjuster |
5 µrad (Typical); 2 µrad (Achievable) |
Measured Adjuster Lock Mechanical Resolution per Adjuster |
5 µrad (Typical); 2 µrad (Achievable) |
Resolution | 2.1 mrad/rev |
Mechanical Angular Range (Nominal) | ±2° |
Beam Deviation After Thermal Cyclingb | 5 μrad |
Mounting | Three 1/4" (M6) Counterbores |
Alignment Pin Holesc | Two Ø5 mm Alignment Pin Holes: One at the Left and Right Counterbores |
Vacuum Compatibilityd | 10-9 Torr at 25 °C with Proper Bake Out 10-5 Torr at 25 °C without Bake Out Grease Vapor Pressure: 10-13 Torr at 20 °C,10-5 Torr at 200 °C Epoxy Meets Low Outgassing Standards NASA ASTM E595 and Telcordia GR-1221 |
Operating Temperature Range | -30 to 200 °C |
Replacing the Optic in a POLARIS-K4F4 Low-Distortion Mount
While the photos below use our POLARIS-K6F4 Ø6" Low-Distortion Mirror Mount for demonstration purposes, the steps as written are valid for the POLARIS-K4F4 Ø4" Low-Distortion Mirror Mount. The balldriver and hex key sizes provided in the text are also for the POLARIS-K4F4 mount. The optic and balldrivers shown with the mount are not included with purchase.
To remove a mounted optic, use a 5 mm balldriver or hex key to turn the Top Adjuster Screw (see Figure 1) until the Side Contact Piston Retention Screws are exposed on the top side of the mount (see Figure 2). Then, use a 1.5 mm balldriver or hex key to back off the Side Contact Piston Retention Screws (2 places) by one turn.
![POLARIS-K4F4 Install 2](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/K6_Install_Optic_6-300.jpg)
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Figure 2: The Exposed Side Contact Retention Screws on the Top of the POLARIS-K6F4 Ø6" Mirror Mount
Loosen each Optic Spring Compression Screw (3 places, see Figure 3) with a 5 mm balldriver or hex key by two turns, then remove each Optic Piston Array Retention Screw (6 places) with a 2.5 mm balldriver or hex key (see Figure 4). This will allow the Optic Retention Pistons (3 places) that make up the Optic Piston Array to be removed from the mount, opening up the back of the optic bore.
![POLARIS-K4F4 Install 1](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/K6_Install_Optic_3-300.jpg)
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Figure 3: Loosening an Optic Spring Compression Screw (3 Places) on the POLARIS-K6F4 Ø6" Mirror Mount
![POLARIS-K4F4 Install 2](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/K6_Install_Optic_4-300.jpg)
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Figure 4: Loosening an Optic Piston Array Retention Screw (6 Places) of the POLARIS-K6F4 Ø6" Mirror Mount
Using two hands, carefully remove the optic from the bore by pushing it through the back (see Figures 5 and 6).
![POLARIS-K4F4 Install 1](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/K6_Install_Optic_5-300.jpg)
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Figure 5: Bracing the Optic when Removing it from the POLARIS-K6F4 Ø6" Mirror Mount
![POLARIS-K4F4 Install 2](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/K6_Install_Optic_7-300.jpg)
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Figure 6: Gently Tilting the Optic out of the POLARIS-K6F4 Ø6" Mirror Mount
Before installing a new optic in the mount, ensure that there is no grease, dirt, or dust in the optic bore or on the optic itself. Remove any particulates with clean compressed air and/or clean with ethanol. Then, slowly tilt the new optic in through the opening in the back of the mount, as shown in Figure 6. It may help to use one hand to brace the front of the optic while positioning with the other, in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 5, as this can help ensure the optic remains concentric with the optic bore. Retighten the Side Contact Piston Retention Screws with 1.5 lb-in (0.17 N-m) of torque, re-install the Optic Piston Array and Retention Screws using 2.8 lb-in (0.32 N-m) of torque, and tighten each Optic Spring Compression Screw with 30 lb-in (3.4 N-m) of torque.
Note: The force from the Side Contact Piston should secure the optic enough to leave the mount standing up while reattaching the retention springs, however; for a safer position to mount the optic, once the Side Contact Piston Retention Screws have been tightened, tilt the mount downwards until it is flat on the table. From there, reattach the Optic Retention Springs. Do not worry about the safety of the front of the optic; the front of the mount is cushioned and provides clearance, ensuring the front of the optic will not make contact with the work surface.
For optic installation, we recommend the BDSH-KIT/M hex driver bit kit with the TD75 torque driver, which are both sold below.
Optical Distortion Testing Using a ZYGO Phase-Shifting Interferometer
![POLARIS-K05F6 Optic Distortion](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/POLSARIS-K4F4 INSTALLED-400.jpg)
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A screenshot of the wavefront distortion measurement for a Ø4" optic mounted in the POLARIS-K4F4 mount.
Procedure
A Ø4" mirror was installed into a POLARIS-K4F4 Polaris Low-Distortion Ruggedized Kinematic Mirror Mount using the procedure detailed in the Optic Installation tab. The mount was then secured to three Ø1" stainless steel posts using three 1/4"-20 cap screws. The Zygo interferometer aperture outer diameter was set to 90% of the Ø3.35" (Ø85.0 mm) clear aperture for these measurements, and the test wavelength was 634 nm.
Results
In this test case, the wavefront distortion for the mounted optic was measured to be 0.08λ (see the screenshot to the right) and was not noticeably different from the results for the unmounted optic.
Positional Repeatability After Thermal Shock
The POLARIS-K4F4 Ø4" Low-Distortion Mirror Mount was constructed using our patented two-metal and low-distortion designs. The superalloy aluminum front plate safely secures the optic and prevents stresses from large temperature fluctuations, while the heat-treated stainless steel back plate provides long term stability. The three-point low-distortion mount further reduces stresses by securing the optic in a manner that distributes force more evenly across the optic. See the Low-Distortion tab for more information.
This testing was done to determine how reliably the mount returns the mirror, without hysteresis, to its initial position so that the alignment of the optical system is unaffected by the temperature shock. During the testing phase, the Polaris kinematic mirror mount was attached to three PLS-P1 Ø1"Stainless Steel Posts and secured to a stainless steel optical breadboard with POLARIS-CA1 Clamping Arms in a temperature-controlled environment. Each mounting hole was secured to the post by an 1/4"-20 cap screw. The mirror was mounted (not glued) in the mirror mount, using the methods specified in the Optic Installation tab. The beam from an independently temperature-stabilized diode laser was reflected off the mirror’s surface onto a position sensing detector.
Procedure:
The mount was heated, and the elevated temperature was maintained in order to soak the mount at a constant temperature. Then the temperature of the optics mount was returned to the starting temperature. The results of these tests are shown below.
Results:
The POLARIS-K4F4 Ø4" low-distortion mirror mount demonstrated exceptional performance, despite being mounted to three posts, rather than a solid base. As can be seen in the plots below, when the Polaris low-distortion mount was returned to the initial temperature, the angular position (both pitch and yaw) of the mirror returned to within 5 µrad of the initial position. The performance of the Polaris mount was tested further by subjecting each mount to repeated temperature change cycles. After each cycle, the mirror’s position reliably returned to within 5 µrad of its initial position.
For Comparison:
To get a 1 µrad change in the mount’s position, the 100 TPI adjuster on the POLARIS-K1F Ø1" Mirror Mount needs to be rotated by only 0.05° (1/7200 of a turn). A highly skilled operator might be able to make an adjustment as small as 0.3° (1/1200 of a turn), which corresponds to 6 µrad.
Thermal Test Data
![Polaris-K4F4 Thermal Repeatability](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/POLARIS-K4F4_thermalreliability_both_800.gif)
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3-Adjuster Low-Distortion Mount
![Polaris-K4F4 Thermal Repeatability](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/POLARIS-K4F4_Thermal_Cycles_G1-400.gif)
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The plot above shows the final angular position of the POLARIS-K4F4 for 15 consecutive thermal shock tests. The change in temperature is the difference between the starting temperature and the temperature at the end of the test and includes factors such as the variation in room temperature.
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/K4_LowDistortion_Features_A1-350.jpg)
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Design Features of the POLARIS-K4F4 Low-Distortion Ultra-Stable Mirror Mount
Several common factors typically lead to beam misalignment in an optical setup. These include temperature-induced hysteresis of the mirror's position, crosstalk, drift, and backlash. Polaris mirror mounts are designed specifically to minimize these misalignment factors and thus provide extremely stable performance. Hours of extensive research, multiple design efforts using sophisticated design tools such as finite element analysis software, and months of rigorous testing went into choosing the best components to provide an ideal solution for experiments requiring ultra-stable performance from a kinematic mirror mount.
Thermal Hysteresis
The temperature in most labs is not constant due to factors such as air conditioning, the number of people in the room, and the operating states of equipment. Thus, it is necessary that all mounts used in an alignment-sensitive optical setup be designed to minimize any thermally induced alignment effects. Thermal effects can be minimized by choosing materials with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), like stainless steel. However, even mounts made from a material with a low CTE do not typically return the mirror to its initial position when the initial temperature is restored. All of the back plate components of the POLARIS-K4F4 mirror mount are heat-treated prior to assembly since this process removes internal stresses that can cause a temperature-dependent hysteresis. As a result, the alignment of the optical system will be restored when the temperature of the mirror mount is returned to the initial temperature.
The method by which the mirror is secured in the mount is another important design factor; the POLARIS-K4F4 mount offers excellent performance without the use of adhesives. Instead, it has a three-point-contact faceplate, two side contact pistons, and three optic retention springs. This design minimizes distortion on the optic surface while maintaining beam pointing stability. Furthermore, the ultra-stable POLARIS-K4F4 low-distortion rugged kinematic mirror mount has a superalloy aluminum front plate which can undergo significant fluctuations in temperature without stressing the optic.
Crosstalk
Crosstalk is minimized by carefully controlling the dimensional tolerances of the front and back plates of the mount so that the pitch and yaw actuators are orthogonal. In addition, sapphire seats are used at all three contact points. Standard metal-to-metal actuator contact points will wear down over time. The polished sapphire seats of the Polaris mounts, in combination with the hardened stainless steel actuator tips, maintain the integrity of the contact surfaces over time.
![Double Vacuum Bagging for Polaris Mounts](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/POLARIS-K6F4_Beam-200.jpg)
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The POLARIS-K4F4 Low-Distortion Mount provides clearance for large diameter laser beams over a range of incident angles.
Drift and Backlash
In order to minimize the positional drift of the mirror mount and backlash, it is necessary to limit the amount of play in the adjuster as well as the amount of lubricant used. When an adjustment is made to the actuator, the lubricant will be squeezed out of some spaces and built up in others. This non-equilibrium distribution of lubricant will slowly relax back into an equilibrium state. However, in doing so, this may cause the position of the front plate of the mount to move. The Polaris mounts use adjusters matched to the body that exceed all industry standards so very little adjuster lubricant is needed. These adjusters have a smooth feel that allows the user to make small, repeatable adjustments.
![Double Vacuum Bagging for Polaris Mounts](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/Polaris_Heat_Sink_D2-300.gif)
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The POLARIS-K4F4 Ultra-Stable Low-Distortion Kinematic Mount provides threaded mounting holes for heat sinks and custom payload extensions.
Applications in High-Power Laser Systems
In setups which use high-powered lasers, the utility of expensive optical elements can be difficult to guarantee due to the high thermal energy and large beam diameter of the laser. The POLARIS-K4F4 low-distortion kinematic mirror mount addresses both issues through the design of its front plate. The superalloy aluminum, which makes up the front plate, acts as an excellent heat sink, preventing thermal stress on the optic. In the event that the aluminum front plate is insufficient, such as in systems with ultra-high-powered lasers, more heat sinks and heat pipes can be mounted to further protect the optic using the features shown in the image to the left. The optic seat has also been designed to support large beam diameters over a range of incident angles (see the Specs tab and the image to the right).
Optic Mount Design Minimizes Distortion
The front plate is designed to provide low-distortion mounting of Ø4" optics. In a test involving a Ø4" mirror (see the Low Distortion tab for details), no more than 0.08λ wavefront distortion was observed on the mounted optic, which was not noticeably different from the distortion measured for the unmounted optic. The low-distortion performance is ideal for imaging applications, as image aberrations that result from the interaction between an optic and the mount will be minimal.
Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
The POLARIS-K4F4 is designed to be compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. It is chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, it is assembled in a clean environment and then double vacuum bagged to eliminate contamination when transported into a cleanroom.
![Double Vacuum Bagging for Polaris Mounts](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/Polaris_Vacuumbag_A3-150.jpg)
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Polaris Mounts are Shipped Inside Two Vacuum Bag Layers
The sapphire contacts are bonded into place using a NASA-approved low outgassing procedure. In addition, DuPont LVP High-Vacuum (Krytox) Grease, an ultra-high vacuum compatible, low outgassing PTFE grease, is applied to the adjusters. These features provide high vacuum compatibility and low outgassing performance. When operating at pressures below 10-5 Torr, we highly recommend using an appropriate bake out procedure prior to installing the mount in order to minimize contamination caused by outgassing.
Cleanroom-Compatible Packaging
Each vacuum-compatible Polaris mount is packaged within two vacuum bag layers after assembly in a clean environment, as seen in the image to the right. The vacuum-tight fit of the bags stabilizes the mount, limiting translation of the front plate due to shocks during transportation. The tight fit also minimizes rubbing against the bag, preventing the introduction of bag material shavings that would contaminate the clean mount.
In the vacuum-sealing process, moisture-containing air is drawn out of the packaging. This eliminates unwanted reactions on the surface of the mount without the need for desiccant materials. The vacuum bags protect the mount from contamination by air or dust during transport and storage, and the double-vacuum bag configuration allows for a straightforward and effective cleanroom entry procedure. The outer bag can be removed outside of the cleanroom, allowing the contaminant-free inner bag to be placed into a clean container and transferred into the cleanroom while retaining the benefits of vacuum-bag packaging. Inside the cleanroom, the mount can be removed from the inner bag when ready for use.
Polaris® Low-Distortion Ultra-Stable Kinematic Mirror Mounts, such as the one shown in the image to the left, are specifically designed to provide excellent performance under thermal changes and vibrations. Below are some usage tips to ensure that the POLARIS-K4F4 Low-Distortion Mount for Ø4" Optics provides optimal performance.
Match Materials
Due to its relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, stainless steel was chosen as the material from which to fabricate the back plate of the POLARIS-K4F4 ultra-stable low-distortion mount. For the front plate, an aged superalloy aluminum was chosen, which reduces the stresses placed on an optic from extreme temperature fluctuations by acting as a heat sink. When mounting, we recommend using components fabricated from the same stainless steel material as the back plate, such as our Ø1" stainless steel posts.
Mounting Options
In order to minimize the impact of temperature changes and vibrations, we recommend mounting the Polaris ultra-stable low-distortion ruggedized mounts as close to the table's surface as possible and matching materials between the mount and mounting surface. By choosing components fabricated from the same material as the mount itself, all expansions and contractions will occur at the same rate.
For best beam pointing stability, the mount can be affixed directly to the surface of a custom stainless steel breadboard. Alternatively, our Ø1" stainless steel posts and POLARIS-CA1 or POLARIS-SCA1 Clamping Arms can be used to secure the mount an optical table or breadboard with standard imperial or metric hole patterns. The POLARIS-SCA1 clamping arms are shorter than POLARIS-CA1 clamping arms, providing a smaller footprint if space constraints are a concern. When securing the mount to an optical post, we recommend applying 75 lb-in (8.5 N-m) of torque, which an be accomplished using our TD75 Torque Driver (available below). Be sure to check that the mounting surface is highly flat, polished, and free of debris or scratches prior to mounting.
Mount Alignment
Although the mount is designed to allow adjustments of up to ±2°, to achieve the best performance, it is recommended that the front plate be kept as parallel as possible to the back plate. This ensures maximum stability by forcing an even thermal expansion of all the adjustment screws, which results in the mounted mirror translating in the Z direction as opposed to rotating during temperature changes.
Temperature Regulation
These ultra-stable low-distortion mounts are designed for use in systems where there are frequent and large variations in temperature. The superalloy aluminum front plate acts as a heat sink, reducing stresses on the optic. While Thorlabs' ultra-stable low-distortion mount has been engineered to counter the issues presented by rapid shifts in temperature, we recommend further optimizing the mount performance in systems involving ultra-high-powered lasers by mounting additional heat pipes, shielding, and thermal sinks. This can be accomplished via the M4 x 0.7 threaded holes on the front of the stainless steel back plate and the M2.5 x 0.45 threaded holes (21 places) on the back of the superalloy aluminum front plate. For more information, see the Design Features tab.
Polish and Clean the Points of Contact
We highly recommend that the points of contact between the mount and the posts, as well as the posts and the table, are clean and free of scratches or defects. For best results, we recommend using a polishing stone to clean the table’s surface and a polishing pad for the top and bottom of the posts as well as the bottom of the mount. To clean the mount, we recommend using either ethanol or compressed air.
Inspect and Care for Padded Contacts
Thorlabs' POLARIS-K4F4 Ultra-Stable Low-Distortion Mount utilizes Kapton®†plastic padded contacts when securing the optic. It is critical to inspect the pads to ensure they are not burnt and suitable for cushioning the optics. When burnt, Kapton®†plastic will warp and discolor. In the event that these pads need to be replaced, reach out to Tech Support for replacement sheets.
Not Recommended
We do not recommend taking the adjusters out of the body, as this can introduce contamination to the threading, which can consequently reduce the fine adjustment performance significantly. Also, do not pull the front plate away as it might stretch the springs beyond their operating range or crack the sapphire seats. When cleaning the mount, do not use acetone as it can denature the high-vacuum grease.
Adjuster Lock Nuts
The POLARIS-K4F4 2-Adjuster Mount comes with lock nuts pre-installed. The beam can be held on target with the adjuster screws while the mount's position is secured by tightening the lock nuts. In most setups, the lock nuts can be hand-tightened; however, for long term stability, we recommend tightening with 20 lb-in (2.3 N-m) of torque. Each lock nut is pre-greased with the same ultra-high-vacuum-compatible, low-outgassing PTFE grease as the Polaris mounts and has been tested for adjuster fit.
†Kapton® is a registered trademark of DuPont™ Electronics, Inc.
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Thorlabs offers several different general varieties of Polaris mounts, including kinematic side optic retention, SM-threaded, low optic distortion, piezo-actuated, vertical drive, and glue-in optic mounts, a fixed monolithic mirror mount and fixed optic mounts, XY translation mounts, 5-axis kinematic mount, and a kinematic platform mount. Refer to the tables below for our complete line of Polaris mounts, grouped by mount type, optic bore size, and then arranged by optic retention method and adjuster type (or intended application in the case of fixed mounts). We also offer a line of accessories that have been specifically designed for use with our Polaris mounts; these are listed in the table to the lower right. Note that the tables below list Item # suffixes that omit the "POLARIS" prefix for brevity. Click the photos below for details.
Polaris Mount Adjuster Types | |||||
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Side Hole | Hex | Adjuster Knobs | Adjuster Lock Nuts |
Piezo Adjusters | Vertical-Drive Adjusters |
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Polaris Kinematic Mounts for Round Optics | ||||
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Optic Retention Method | Side Lock | SM Threaded | Low Distortion | Glue-In |
Ø1/2" Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | - | - | - | -K05C4 -K05G4 |
2 Hex Adjusters | -K05S1 | -K05T1 | -K05F1 | - |
2 Adjusters with Lock Nuts | -K05S2 | -K05T2 | -K05F2 | - |
2 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K05P2 | - | - | - |
2 Vertical Adjusters | -K05VS2 -K05VS2L |
- | - | - |
3 Hex Adjusters | -K05 | - | - | - |
3 Adjusters with Lock Nuts | - | -K05T6 | -K05F6 | - |
3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
- | -K05XY | - | - |
Ø19 mm (3/4") Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K19S4 | - | -K19F4/M | -K19G4 |
Ø25 mm Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K25S4/M | - | -K25F4/M | - |
Ø1" Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K1S4 | - | - | -K1C4 -K1G4 |
2 Hex Adjusters | -K1E2 -K1-2AH |
-K1T2 | -K1F2 | - |
2 Adjuster Knobs | - | -K1T1 | -K1F1 | - |
2 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K1S2P | - | - | - |
2 Vertical Adjusters | -K1VS2 -K1VS2L |
- | - | - |
3 Side Hole Adjuster | -K1S5 | - | - | - |
3 Hex Adjusters | -K1E3 -K1-H |
-K1T3 | - | - |
3 Adjuster Knobs | -K1E -K1 |
-K1T | -K1F | - |
3 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K1S3P | - | - | - |
3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
- | -K1XY | - | - |
Optic Retention Method | Side Lock | SM Threaded | Low Distortion | Glue-In |
Ø1.5" Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K15S4 | - | -K15F4 | - |
2 Vertical Adjusters | -K15VS2 -K15VS2L |
- | - | - |
3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
- | -K15XY | - | - |
Ø50 mm Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K50S4/M | - | -K50F4/M | - |
Ø2" Optics | ||||
2 Hex Adjusters | -K2S2 | -K2T2 | -K2F2 | - |
2 Adjuster Knobs | -K2S1 | -K2T1 | -K2F1 | - |
2 Piezoelectric Adjusters | -K2S2P | - | - | - |
2 Vertical Adjusters | -K2VS2 -K2VS2L |
- | - | - |
3 Hex Adjusters | -K2S3 | -K2T3 | -K2F3 | - |
3 Adjuster Knobs | -K2 | -K2T | -K2F | - |
Ø3" Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | -K3S4 | - | - | - |
3 Side Hole Adjusters | -K3S5 | - | - | - |
Ø4" Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | - | - | -K4F4 | - |
Ø6" Optics | ||||
2 Side Hole Adjusters | - | - | -K6F4 | - |
Polaris XY Translation Mounts for Round Optics | ||
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Optic Retention Method | SM Threaded | Representative Photos |
Ø1/2" Optics | ![]() ![]() |
|
2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) | -05XY | |
3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
-K05XY | |
Ø1" Optics | ||
2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) | -1XY | |
3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) & 2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) |
-K1XY | |
Ø1.5" Optics | ||
2 Hex Adjusters (X/Y) & 3 Adjuster Knobs (Tip/Tilt/Z) |
-K15XY |
Polaris Fixed Mounts for Round Optics | ||||||
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Optic Retention Method | Side Lock | Low Distortion |
Glue-In | Representative Photos |
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Ø1/2" Optics | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Optimized for Mirrors | - | -B05F | -C05G | |||
Optimized for Beamsplitters | -B05S | - | -B05G | |||
Optimized for Lenses | - | - | -L05G | |||
Ø19 mm (Ø3/4") Optics | ||||||
Optimized for Mirrors | -19S50/M | - | - | |||
Ø1" Optics | ||||||
Optimized for Mirrors | - | -B1F | -C1G | |||
Optimized for Beamsplitters | -B1S | - | -B1G | |||
Optimized for Lenses | - | - | -L1G | |||
Ø2" Optics | ||||||
Optimized for Mirrors | - | -B2F | -C2G | |||
Optimized for Beamsplitters | -B2S | - | - |
Polaris Kinematic 1.8" x 1.8" Platform Mount | ||
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Optomech Retention Method | Tapped Holes & Counterbores |
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2 Adjuster Knobs | -K1M4(/M) |
Accessories for Polaris Mounts | |
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Description | Representative Photos |
Ø1/2" Posts for Polaris Mounts | ![]() |
Ø1" Posts for Polaris Mounts | |
Non-Bridging Clamping Arms | ![]() |
45° Mounting Adapter | ![]() |
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- 2-Adjuster Ultra-Stable Low-Distortion Mount Designed for Ø4" Optics
- Superalloy Aluminum Front Plate Reduces Kinematic Sprung Mass
- Stainless Steel Back Plate Provides Long Term Stability and High Stiffness
- Mounting Features are Included for Heat Pipes and Custom Payload Extensions (See the Design Features Tab Above)
- Fully Sprung Optic Cell Minimizes Optic Distortion Over Temperatures Ranging from -30 to 200 °C
This Ø4" Polaris Low-Distortion Ruggedized Kinematic Mirror Mount is designed to minimize optic distortion and provide long-term stability. This mount is fitted with a three-point-contact faceplate to mount the optic. Three optic retention springs and two side contact pistons secure the optic. See the Optic Installation and Low Distortion tabs above for details.
The front plate of the mount is a superalloy aluminum which reduces the kinematic sprung mass and acts as a heat sink for optics used with ultra-high-power lasers. The reduction in the kinematic sprung mass works to improve beam pointing stability as well as to the minimize the shocks and vibrations absorbed from the operating environment. Additionally, the back plate uses matched actuator-body pairs made from heat-treated stainless steel, which provides long-term stability.
For positioning the optic, the POLARIS-K4F4 Low-Distortion Mount has two hex adjusters. The 5 mm hex adjuster screws are compatible with our HKM50NM hex key or any other 5 mm hex wrench or ball driver and provide a maximum angular range of ±2°. Each adjuster also features Ø0.096" (Ø2.4 mm) holes that allow actuation from the side. All adjusters are set into polished sapphire seats, ensuring their contact surfaces retain their integrity over a longer period of time than adjusters set into metal seats.
When securing the mount in a setup, we recommend matching materials between the back plate and the mounting surface. For example, three PLS-P1 Ø1" stainless steel posts can be used with POLARIS-CA1 clamping arms to secure the POLARIS-K4F4 mount to a breadboard. Three 1/4" (M6) counterbored holes at the center and ends of the bottom of the mount allow it to be attached directly to optical posts using 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws. For custom mounting configurations, a single Ø5 mm alignment pin hole is located at each outer counterbore for setting a precise location and mounting angle. Standard 5mm-M6 (ISO 2338) alignment pins are recommended; for details, see the PDF drawing by clicking on the Docs icon () below.
For optimal performance, it can be desirable to apply precise amounts of torque when mounting optics or securing this Polaris mirror mount to a breadboard or posts (see the Usage Tips tab for details). The TD75 torque driver and compatible hex driver bit kits, both of which are sold below, can be used for this application.
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![Torque Drivers](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/Torque_Dial_A3-250.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
The dial face of the TD24 Torque Driver. The black needle indicates the current torque, while the silver memory needle can be used to indicate the desired torque value. The TD75 has a similar dial face.
The TD75 torque driver is equipped with a precision metal combination dial, has a 1/4" square drive socket at the end of the handle, and can provide 0 to 75 lb-in of torque. It is accurate to 2% of the dial reading from 20% of the full scale to the full scale. The design of this torque wrench allows accurate torques to be dialed in regardless of the hand-hold position on the handle.
The precision dial on the driver has two scales. The outer ring of white numbers is the primary scale, and the inner ring of black numbers is the secondary scale. Please see the image to the right for details. The dial also has two needles: a black needle indicates the torque that is being applied to a fixture and a silver memory needle that remains in place after pressure is removed from the handle to mark the peak torque value reached.
The TD75 torque driver can be used with the two hex driver bit kits offered below. The BDSH-KIT/M metric kit includes all of the bits needed for mounting optics in the POLARIS-K4F4 Ultra-Stable Low-Distortion Ø4" Mirror Mounts. If affixing the mount to posts or custom breadboards using imperial screws, we also recommend the BDSH-KIT Imperial Hex Driver Bit Kit. For additional information on mounting, see the Optic Installation and Usage Tips tabs. Each bit is engraved with its hex size. The table below lists the hex bits included in each kit. For more information on torque drivers and their accessories, please visit Thorlabs' Torque Drivers webpage.
Hex Driver Bit Kit Item # | Included Hex Sizes |
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BDSH-KIT | 0.050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", and 3/16" |
BDSH-KIT/M | 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, and 5.0 mm |