HTSM-13 Precision Differential Micrometer Mount with 13 mm Travel and 0.01 mm Graduation

Overview

The HTSM-13 is a high-precision manual differential micrometer mount engineered for sub-millimeter positional control in optical alignment and metrology applications. Designed using standard metric threading and hardened stainless steel construction, it operates on the principle of differential screw translation—where two coaxial threads with slightly different pitches generate fine axial displacement through relative rotation. This mechanism enables repeatable, backlash-compensated linear motion ideal for aligning optical components such as mirrors, lenses, waveplates, and fiber couplers within interferometric setups, laser cavities, or spectroscopic beam paths. Its 13 mm total travel range and 0.01 mm engraved scale graduation provide deterministic positioning without reliance on digital readouts—critical in environments sensitive to electromagnetic interference or where traceable mechanical calibration is preferred over electronic interpolation.

Key Features

• Robust monolithic aluminum body with black anodized finish for dimensional stability and corrosion resistance
• Dual-scale vernier ring allowing direct reading to ±0.01 mm without auxiliary tools
• Integrated locking collar with knurled grip for secure position retention during vibration-prone operation
• Standard M6 × 0.5 mm front mounting thread and Ø12 mm through-hole compatible with industry-standard optical posts and cage systems
• Zero-resettable scale via adjustable reference mark for relative displacement measurements
• No internal lubricants or elastomers—suitable for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) pre-baked environments when properly cleaned and outgassed

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HTSM-13 is not a sample-measuring instrument but a passive mechanical positioning stage used across optical laboratories for component alignment. It complies with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing practices at the OEM facility in Jiangsu Province. While no formal regulatory certification (e.g., CE, RoHS) applies to its mechanical function, all materials meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. The device is routinely deployed in setups conforming to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration labs for optical path length adjustment, and supports GLP-aligned experimental documentation when integrated into traceable alignment workflows.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical adjustment device, the HTSM-13 requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. Position data is recorded manually via scale reading and logged in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets. For automated systems, it may be retrofitted with third-party linear encoders (e.g., Renishaw RESOLUTE™ or Heidenhain LC 483) using the optional mounting bracket kit (HTSM-MB1), enabling analog voltage or RS422 output compatible with LabVIEW™, MATLAB® Data Acquisition Toolbox, or Python-based control frameworks via NI USB-6009 or similar DAQ hardware.

Applications

• Precision alignment of collimating optics in tunable laser sources and external cavity diode lasers (ECDLs)
• Fine adjustment of grating angles in monochromators and Czerny–Turner spectrometers
• Controlled gap setting between etalon plates in Fabry–Pérot interferometers
• Stage-level positioning in optical coherence tomography (OCT) reference arms
• Calibration artifact displacement in NIST-traceable optical flatness verification setups
• Teaching laboratories for demonstrating micrometer mechanics, pitch difference principles, and uncertainty propagation in manual measurement

FAQ

Is the HTSM-13 compatible with Thorlabs or Newport optical posts?

Yes—the M6 × 0.5 mm front thread and 12 mm central bore are dimensionally aligned with Thorlabs SM1-threaded mounts and Newport’s 8-32 UNC post adapters when used with standard step-down rings.

Can the scale be recalibrated if damaged?

No—the graduation is permanently etched onto the stainless steel thimble; however, users may perform functional verification using certified gauge blocks traceable to NIST or BIPM standards.

What is the typical repeatability under hand-tightened locking?

Under consistent torque application (≤0.3 N·m), positional repeatability is ≤±2 µm over 10 cycles, verified per ISO 230-2 Annex A procedures.

Does HT offer vacuum-compatible versions?

Standard units are UHV-ready after solvent cleaning and bake-out; custom variants with vacuum-rated grease alternatives and non-outgassing fasteners are available upon engineering review.

Is there a datasheet with thermal expansion coefficients?

Yes—the coefficient of linear expansion for the aluminum housing is 23.1 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–100 °C); stainless steel components exhibit 17.3 × 10⁻⁶ /°C, documented in the HTSM Series Technical Reference Manual v3.2.