Accessories - THORLABS MicroBlock MBT Series User Manual

1.3 Accessories

A comprehensive range of accessories is available to allow the MicroBlock to hold
and manipulate optical fibers, diode lasers, gradient-index lenses, spherical ball
lenses, and other commonly used optical components. The accessories are mounted
to the top platform using a tongue-in-groove system and are retained with cleats and
capscrews – see Fig. 1.2. Three extended top platforms are also available for use
when end-firing or butt-coupling to small lightwave devices.
A platform bracket can be attached to the side of the MicroBlock to provide a fixed-
world platform adjacent to the moving platform – see Fig. 1.3. This allows accessories
to be mounted at the fixed optical axis height of 75mm, adjacent to the accessories
being translated. Alternatively, the top plate can be replaced with the AMA011 right
angle top plate, which provides a convenient, vertical mounting surface for attaching
other components or accessories to the stage.
accessory tongue
cleat
alignment groove
Fig. 1.2 Tongue-in-groove system
Fig. 1.3 Fixed platform bracket
A series of pre-configured fiber launch systems is also available - search fiber launch
systems at www.thorlabs.com for further details.
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