Products Home / Fiber Components / Collimation / Coupling / Fiber Alignment Stages and Solutions / Fiber Launch Systems: Basic SolutionsFiber Launch Systems: Basic Solutions
- 4 mm Travel Flexure MicroBlock™ MBT Series Stage
- Single Mode and PM Fiber Launch Solutions
- Ideal Lab Starter Kits
MBT610D
Shown with Objective
(Sold Separately)
MBT616D
3-Axis Stage
is Used in Our
Fiber Launch Systems
Close-Up of the MBT612D (Left) and MBT610D (Above) Fiber Launch Systems
Please Wait
| Common Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Drive Specifications | ||
| Travel Range | Coarse | 4 mm (0.16") |
| Fine | 300 μm | |
| Coarse Adjustment |
500 μm/rev | |
| Fine Adjustment | 50 μm/rev | |
| Crosstalk | <20 µm/mm | |
| Stage Specifications | ||
| Deck Height | 62.5 mm (2.46") | |
| Optical Axis Height (Nominal) | 75 mm (2.95") | |
| Load Capacity (Max) | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) | |
| Top Plate Mounting Holes |
Imperial Plate (Item # MMP1) |  |
| Metric Plate (Item # MMP1/M) |  |
|
Features
- 4 mm of X, Y, and Z Travel
- Flexure Design Ensures Smooth Continuous Motion and Long-Term Stability
- Grooved Top Plate Creates Proper Alignment with Multi-Axis Stage Accessories
- Four Different Basic Fiber Launch Solutions Available:
- MBT612D(/M) Single Mode Fiber Launch with Quick-Release Clamp
- MBT610D(/M) Single Mode Fiber Launch with Variable V-Groove Clamp
- MBT613D(/M) Single Mode Fiber Launch with FC-Terminated Mount
- MBT621D(/M) Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Launch with Fiber Rotator
These fiber launch systems are based on our MBT616D(/M) MicroBlock™ 3-axis flexure stage. These preconfigured systems are ideal starter kits that can be quickly adapted to many applications. Systems are available for a range of single mode or polarization-maintaining fiber launch applications.
This MicroBlock stage features high resolution differential adjusters and is ideal for optimizing the coupling of a free space laser into a single mode fiber or polarization maintaining fiber, even at visible wavelengths where the mode field diameter of the fibers are as small as 3 µm.
A wide range of accessories is available to mount items such as microscope objectives, collimation packages, wave guides, fiber, and much more.
| Multi-Axis Stage Accessories | |||||||||||
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| Fiber Mounts |
Fiber Rotators |
Waveguide Mounts |
Diode Mounts |
Fixed Mounts |
Kinematic Mounts |
Top Plates |
Extension Platforms |
Fiber Chucks |
Slide Holders |
Kinematic Platforms |
Adapter Plates |
Choosing the correct lens or objective for launching light into a fiber depends on several factors, such as the input wavelength, beam diameter, and the mode field diameter (MFD) of the fiber. The focal length or effective focal length required to optimize coupling can be estimated using the relationship below. For specific lens and objective recommendations, please contact Technical Support.
As an example calculation, the P1-630A-FC-2 FC/PC single mode patch cable, which incorporates SM600 fiber, has an 1/e2 mode field diameter (MFD) of 4.3 μm at 633 nm. The MFD should equal the diffraction-limited spot size Øspot, which is given by the following equation:
Here, f is the focal length of the lens or effective focal length of an objective, λ is the wavelength of the input light, and D is the 1/e2 diameter of collimated beam incident on the lens.
Lenses or objectives can be used to launch light into an optical fiber. The clear aperture must be larger than the input beam diameter. For optimum coupling, the spot size of the focused beam must be less than the MFD of the single mode fiber. As a result, if a lens or objective is not available that provides an exact match, then choose an optic with a focal length that is shorter than what the calculation above yields. Alternatively, if the clear aperture is large enough, the beam can be expanded before the lens or objective, which effectively reduces the spot size of the focused beam.
| Posted Comments: | |
Xinyuan Qi
(posted 2019-10-23 15:10:45.64) Dear Si/Madam,
I wonder if the face opposite to the face with single Spiral knob can be used to attach AMA007/9 brackets? The existing CAD pictures does not provide the information. However, I would like to attach a bracket on that face to enlarge the area on the top face.
Thank you so much if you can help me with this question.
Regards,
Xinyuan Qi rmiron
(posted 2019-11-08 06:03:56.0) I can gladly confirm that it is possible to mount an additional AMA bracket on the other side of the stage that is free of differential adjusters. In order to do so, you will require 3 x M3 or 6-32 screws. So you can have up to two such brackets mounted at any given time. Tyler
(posted 2008-09-23 09:38:28.0) A response from Tyler at Thorlabs to ziqiangliu: An applications engineer will contact you to help you choose the proper optics and optomechanics for use in your fiber coupling application. In general, the MBT611 stage is an excellent choice for coupling light into a multimode fiber. However, light coupled into a fiber it typically collimated. So in your application, you will need one optic to collimate the light emitted from your laser diode and a second optic (possibly mounted on the MBT611 stage) to couple the light into the multimode fiber. We do sell two premounted aspheric lens pairs (C230220P-B and C230260P-B) that are ideal for collimating the light and then focusing it into the core of a fiber. However, whether these would be a good solution for you is somewhat dependent on your laser diode mount. ziqiangliu
(posted 2008-09-17 10:39:42.0) I have a C mount 635nm laser diode. I want to launch it into a multi mode fiber 50 or 60um core size with 0.22NA, or 100um core size with 0.11NA. I hope the whole efficiency should be higher than 70%. the divergence angle is 8/35 degree. should I have some cylinder lens to shape the laser at first? or Can I use you MBT611 to collimate directly? Tyler
(posted 2008-06-16 09:43:46.0) A response from Tyler at Thorlabs to ziqiangliu: Thank you for your interest in our fiber coupling stages. I think the product you ran across two days ago was a KT110. The KT110 and MBT613 would both be good choices for an FC coupled single mode fiber coupling system. Since you are working in the UV wavelength range I would recommend using an LMU series objective lens. Although these are not currently on the web you can find a presentation of these products on page 659 and 660 of the V19 catalog that can be downloaded from our site at http://www.thorlabs.com/Support.cfm?viewTab=6
We dont currently carry a fiber coupler package for use in the UV spectral range.
Thank you for your interest in our fiber coupling products and if you have any further questions please post again or contact one of our application engineers. ziqiangliu
(posted 2008-06-16 05:53:54.0) I should couple a free space laser beam into a fiber. Two days ago I found a KT100 maybe a easy choice for me. But now I cannot found it in your website. i am really confused now. Because I did not download the KT100 PDF file, I do not what the difference with these product.
The laser I use is a dye pulse laser made by spectra physics. the working wavelength is 200nm to 400nm.
It is a fine laser system the divergence is less than 1mrd, and the beam is vertical polarization. I remeber I searched lens that suitable for KT100, there are no item could work at this wavelength (200-400nm). What about the MBT series?
Could you recommend a MBT or relevant product for me and also please recommend a fiber coupler as a economic choice. |
Multi-Axis Stage Selection Guide
Click to Enlarge
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
| Item # | MAX313D | MAX312D | MAX311D | MAX383 | MAX381 | MAX303 | MAX302 | MAX301 | MBT602 | MBT616D | RB13M | RBL13D | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage Type | NanoMax Flexure Stages | MicroBlock Compact Flexure Stages |
RollerBlock Long Travel Stages | |||||||||||||||||
| Included Drives | DRV3 Differential Micrometers | DRV208 Stepper Motor Actuators | N/A | Fine Thread Thumbscrews | Differential Micrometers | 148-801ST Micrometer Drives |
DRV304 Differential Micrometers |
|||||||||||||
| Built-in Piezos | N/A | Open Loop |
Closed Loop | N/A | Closed Loop | N/A | Open Loop | Closed Loop | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Travel (X, Y, Z) | 4 mm (0.16") | 13 mm (0.51") | ||||||||||||||||||
| Deck Height (Nominal) | 62.5 mm (2.46") | |||||||||||||||||||
| Optical Axis Height (Nominal) | 75 mm (2.95") | |||||||||||||||||||
| Load Capacity (Max) | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) | 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Thermal Stability | 1 µm/°C | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 1.00 kg (2.20 lbs) | 0.64 kg (1.40 lbs) | 0.59 kg (1.30 lbs) | |||||||||||||||||
4-Axis Stages
| Item # | MBT401D MBT401D/M |
MBT402D MBT402D/M |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage Type | 4-Axis Thin-Profile MicroBlock Device Stage | 4-Axis Low-Profile MicroBlock Device Stage | |
| Included Drives | Differential Micrometers | ||
| Built-in Piezos | N/A | ||
| Travel | Horizontal Axis (Y)a | 13 mm (0.51") | |
| Vertical Axis (Z) | 6 mm (0.24") | ||
| Pitch (θy) | ±5° | ||
| Yaw (θz) | ±5° | ||
| Deck Height (Nominal) | 62.5 mm (2.46") | ||
| Optical Axis Height (Nominal) | 75 mm (2.95") | ||
| Load Capacity (Max) | 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) | ||
5-Axis Stages
| Item # | MBT401D (MBT401D/M) or MBT402D (MBT402D/M) with MBT501 |
PY005 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage Type | 5-Axis MicroBlock Stage System | Compact 5-Axis Stage | |
| Included Drives | Differential Micrometers | 100 TPI Actuators | |
| Built-in Piezos | N/A | ||
| Travel | Optical Axis (X) | 13 mm (0.51") | 3 mm (0.12") |
| Horizontal Axis (Y) | 13 mm (0.51") | 3 mm (0.12") | |
| Vertical Axis (Z) | 6 mm (0.24") | 3 mm (0.12") | |
| Pitch (θy) | ±5° | ±3.5° | |
| Yaw (θz) | ±5° | ±5° | |
| Deck Height (Nominal) | 112.5 mm (4.43") | 62.5 mm (2.46")a | |
| Optical Axis Height (Nominal) | 125 mm (4.92") | 75 mm (2.95")a | |
| Load Capacity (Max) | 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) | 0.23 kg (0.5 lbs) | |
6-Axis Stages
| Item # | MAX601D MAX601D/M |
MAX602D MAX602D/M |
MAX603D MAX603D/M |
MAX681 MAX681/M |
MAX682 MAX682/M |
MAX683 MAX683/M |
MAX607 MAX607/M MAX607La MAX607L/Ma |
MAX608 MAX608/M MAX608La MAX608L/Ma |
MAX609 MAX609/M MAX609La MAX609L/Ma |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage Type | 6-Axis NanoMax Flexure Stage | |||||||||
| Included Drives | DRV3 Differential Micrometers | DRV208 Stepper Motor Actuators | N/A | |||||||
| Built-in Piezos | N/A | Open Loop | Closed Loop | N/A | Open Loop | Closed Loop | N/A | Open Loop | Closed Loop | |
| Travel | X, Y, Z | 4 mm (0.16") | ||||||||
| θx, θy, θz | 6° | |||||||||
| Deck Height (Nominal) | 112.5 mm (4.43") | |||||||||
| Optical Axis Height (Nominal) | 125 mm (4.92") | |||||||||
| Load Capacity (Max) | 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs) | |||||||||
Zoom| Included with the MBT612D(/M) | |
|---|---|
| Item # | Description |
| MBT616D(/M) | MicroBlock 3-Axis Stage |
| HFF003 | Fiber Clamp |
| HFS001 | Strain Relief Clamp |
| AMA009 | Mounting Bracket, 56 mm Long |
| HCS013 | RMS-Threaded Mount |
- Fiber Clamp Holds Fibers Ranging from Ø150 μm to Ø341 μm
- Quick-Release Fiber V-Groove Clamp
- Includes RMS-Threaded Bracket for Objective Lenses
- Objective and Fiber Not Included
The MBT612D(/M) launch system includes the MBT616D(/M) MicroBlock 3-axis stage with high-resolution differential adjusters, a fiber clamp, strain relief clamp, and a mounting bracket used as an extension platform with an RMS-threaded objective lens mount. The addition of a cable strain relief helps to prevent inadvertent disruption of the system, a small feature that can be a great time saver. This preconfigured fiber launch is an ideal starter system and the use of additional accessories can allow this platform to perform multiple functions; for more information click here.
Zoom| Included with the MBT610D(/M) | |
|---|---|
| Item # | Description |
| MBT616D(/M) | MicroBlock 3-Axis Stage |
| HFF001 | Six-Position Fiber Clamp |
| HFS001 | Strain Relief Clamp |
| AMA009 | Mounting Bracket, 56 mm Long |
| HCS013 | RMS-Threaded Mount |
- Ideal for Bare, Lensed Fiber, or Sleeved Fibers
- Six-Position Fiber Clamp Fits Cylindrical Objects Ranging from Ø0.125 mm - Ø2.66 mm
- Quick-Release Adjustable Fiber Clamp
- Includes RMS-Threaded Bracket for Objective Lenses
- Objective and Fiber Not Included
The MBT610D(/M) launch system includes the MBT616D(/M) MicroBlock 3-axis stage with high-resolution differential adjusters, a six-position fiber clamp, strain relief clamp, and a mounting bracket used as an extension platform with an RMS-threaded objective lens mount. The quick-release fiber holder features a grooved central ferrule with six mounting surfaces, each one designed to accept a different size fiber, from 125 µm to 2.66 mm in diameter. Simply rotate the ferrule to align the correct mounting groove with the clamping arm.
The addition of a cable strain relief helps to prevent inadvertent disruption of the system, a small feature that can be a great time saver. This preconfigured fiber launch is an ideal starter system and the use of additional accessories can allow this platform to perform multiple functions; for more information, click here.
Zoom| Included with the MBT613D(/M) | |
|---|---|
| Item # | Description |
| MBT616D(/M) | MicroBlock 3-Axis Stage |
| HFB004W | Fiber Mount with FC Bulkhead |
| AMA009 | Mounting Bracket, 56 mm Long |
| HCS013 | RMS-Threaded Mount |
- For FC-Terminated Single Mode Fiber Patch Cables
- Includes RMS-Threaded Bracket for Objective Lenses
- Objective and Fiber Not Included
The MBT613D(/M) launch system includes the MBT616D(/M) MicroBlock 3-axis stage with high-resolution differential adjusters, a fiber mount with an FC bulkhead for connecting a patch cable, and a mounting bracket used as an extension platform with an RMS-threaded objective lens mount.
Additional accessories are available that greatly enhance the flexibility of this platform to perform multiple functions; for more information, click here.
Zoom| Included with the MBT621D(/M) | |
|---|---|
| Item # | Description |
| MBT616D(/M) | MicroBlock 3-Axis Stage |
| HFR007 | Bare Fiber Rotator |
| AMA009 | Mounting Bracket, 56 mm Long |
| HCS013 | RMS-Threaded Mount |
- Fiber Rotator Accepts Fiber with Ø125 µm Cladding (with Buffer Removed)
- 360° Rotation and 2° Accuracy
- Includes RMS-Threaded Bracket for Objective Lenses
- Objective and Fiber Not Included
The MBT621D(/M) launch system includes the MBT616D(/M) MicroBlock 3-axis stage with high-resolution differential adjusters, a bare fiber rotator, and a mounting bracket used as an extension platform with an RMS-threaded objective lens mount. When using polarization maintaining fibers (PM), this system provides an easy means of optimizing the extinction ratio of the signal being coupled through the PM fiber. The precision fiber rotator is pre-adjusted for fibers with an outer cladding diameter of 125 µm (with the buffer coating removed). Fibers are easily loaded into the V-groove on the fiber rotator and quickly secured by lowering the swing arm that is magnetically held in place. The force used to secure the fiber is adjustable so that the stress induced birefringence can be controlled. The precision fiber rotator allows for top loading of the fiber and provides smooth, continuous 360° rotation.
Additional accessories are available that greatly enhance the flexibility of this platform to perform multiple functions; for more information, click here.
Basic Fiber Launch Solutions