Motorized Optical Mounts/Stages

This rotating mount (MK1) for transmissive optical elements, was designed during my master thesis project: "Development of Next-Generation Optical Tweezers" and used in multiple motorized optical attenuator setups. It has since been further developed (MK3) and is now available for both transmissive (TM) and reflective (RM) elements. In a later paper: "A Step-by-Step Guide to 3D Print Motorized RotationMounts for Optical Applications", I describe the manufacturing process for both mounts, as well as a suitable control unit.

This DIY rotating mount for Ø1" optics uses commercially available components and 3D printed parts, allowing researchers to quickly and easily manufacture there own optomechanics and at an fraction of the cost of commercial systems. Source files for all the parts are given as both .3dm (Rhino V6), .stp (STEP), and .obj (NURBS Object) files. Parts and accessories are grouped into different layers.

Please share your makes!

Parts List

The transmissive mount (TM) is suitable for applications involving polarizers/retarders. It is based around a rotating cage mount and driven by a standard Nema 17 series stepper motor. These are connected by a polyurethane timing belt and aluminium pulleys. However, since the aluminum pulleys require some additional machining, these components were also added in the 3D parts list and can be printed if needed. (See: HolderWheel.stl & DriveWheel.stl)

The reflective mount (RM) is made for mirrors and filters and uses the same stepper motor. Se the list below for off-the-shelf components and figure 2 for a selection guide for 3D printable parts. More information is given in the later paper.

Off-the-shelf Component List

Transmissive Mount:

1 pc -**Cage Rotation Mount for Ø1" optics**, SM1 threaded, M4 tap [*CRM1/M, Thorlabs*]

2 pcs - Ø12 mm Optical Post, recommended 150 mm lenght [TR150/M-JP, Thorlabs]

1 pc - Nema 17 stepper motor, Ø5 mm shaft, minimum 40 N•cm (4 kg•cm) Torque

1 pc - Timing Belt, 49 teeth, 245 mm length, 10 mm width, 5 mm pitch [10/T5/245SS, Contitech]

1 pc - Timing Pulley, 32 teeth, 10mm belt width x 5mm pitch [21T5/32-2, RS PRO] (If RotorWheel not printed)

1 pc - Timing Pulley, 16 teeth, 10mm belt width x 5mm pitch [21T5/16-2, RS PRO] (If DriveWheel not printed)

4 pcs - M6 Hex Socket Cap Screw, 16 mm length & Hex Nut (Post Clamps)

4 pcs - M3 Hex Socket Cap Screw, 8 mm length (Stepper Motor)

1 pc - M3 Set Screw, 6 mm &Hex Nut (Stepper Shaft)

8 pcs - No.4 Hex Socket Cap Screw, 6 mm length (Holder Wheel & Rotation Mount)

Reflective Mount:

4 pcs - Ø12 mm Optical Post, recommended 50 mm lenght [TR50/M-JP, Thorlabs]

1 pc - Nema 17 stepper motor, Ø5 mm shaft, minimum 40 N•cm (4 kg•cm) Torque

4 pcs - M6 Hex Socket Cap Screw, 16 mm length & Hex Nut (Post Clamps)

4 pcs - M3 Hex Socket Cap Screw, 8 mm length (Stepper Motor)

1 pc - M4 Socket Cap Screw, 25 mm length (Rotor Holder)

1 pc - M4 Set Screw, 6 mm length (Optics Holder)

4 pcs - M4 Hex Nut (Optics Holder)

1 pc - M3 Set Screw, 6 mm & Hex Nut (Stepper Shaft)