Thorlabs SPL25 Linear Translation Stage

Overview

The Thorlabs SPL25 Linear Translation Stage is a precision-engineered, motorized 25 mm (1″) travel platform designed for demanding optical alignment, interferometry, and micro-positioning applications in research and industrial laboratories. Built upon Thorlabs’ proven MTS-series architecture, the SPL25 employs dual linear ball-bearing rails with hardened V-groove raceways—ensuring smooth, low-friction motion, high mechanical stiffness, and long-term positional stability. Its core actuation system integrates a compact DC servo motor coupled to a 1.0 mm pitch lead screw via a 67:1 planetary gearhead. Motion feedback is provided by an embedded Hall-effect encoder delivering 512 counts per motor revolution, enabling closed-loop position control with a theoretical linear resolution of 29 nm. The stage features integrated mechanical limit switches at both ends of travel, offering hardware-level over-travel protection and enabling robust, repeatable homing routines essential for automated optical setups.

Key Features

• 25 mm (1″) unidirectional travel range with bidirectional repeatability of ≤1.6 µm and backlash <6 µm
• High-load capacity: 12 kg horizontal / 4.5 kg vertical load rating, enabled by dual preloaded linear ball-bearing rails
• Hall-effect encoder–based closed-loop control ensures sub-micron positioning accuracy and drift-free operation
• Integrated mechanical limit switches provide fail-safe end-of-travel detection and support automatic homing sequences
• Compact footprint (80 mm × 80 mm base) and low profile (≤32 mm height) facilitate integration into space-constrained optical breadboards and cage systems
• Modular mounting interface compatible with Thorlabs’ PT-series accessories—including PT101 base plates, PT102 right-angle brackets, and MTS50CSA cage adapters—for rapid XY and XYZ stack assembly
• Standard 0.5 m (1.6 ft) shielded cable included; optional 2.5 m (8 ft) extension cable (PAA632) available for distributed lab configurations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPL25 is engineered for compatibility with standard optical components—including lens mounts, mirror holders, fiber couplers, and detector stages—mounted via 1/4″-20 or M6 threaded holes on its top plate. Its mechanical design conforms to ISO 9001 manufacturing protocols and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, CE marking requirements (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, LVD Directive 2014/35/EU), and FCC Part 15 Class B emission limits. While not certified for medical or safety-critical environments, the stage supports GLP-compliant workflows when used with Kinesis software’s audit-trail-enabled logging and user-access controls. It operates reliably within ambient temperatures of 15–30 °C and relative humidity ≤60% non-condensing.

Software & Data Management

The SPL25 is fully supported by Thorlabs’ Kinesis software suite (v1.14+), which provides native USB 2.0 communication with the TDC001 T-Cube controller. Kinesis enables deterministic motion profiling—including trapezoidal velocity ramps, programmable acceleration/deceleration rates, and trigger-synchronized movement—via intuitive GUI or .NET/C++/Python APIs. All position commands, encoder feedback timestamps, and error logs are timestamped and exportable in CSV format. Firmware updates (e.g., TDC001 v1.0.10+) ensure compatibility with advanced features such as PID parameter tuning, custom travel limits (adjustable up to 25.4 mm), and multi-axis synchronization across daisy-chained T-Cube systems. Data integrity is preserved through CRC-verified USB packet transmission and non-volatile memory storage of user-defined settings.

Applications

• Precision optical path length adjustment in Michelson and Mach–Zehnder interferometers
• Active alignment of single-mode fiber pigtails during coupling efficiency optimization
• Automated focus scanning in confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) beam delivery paths
• Multi-axis sample positioning in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman mapping setups
• Integration into 60 mm cage systems via MTS50CSA adapter for modular, reconfigurable optomechanical assemblies
• Stable platform for calibration standards in metrology labs requiring traceable displacement verification per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines

FAQ

What controller is required to operate the SPL25 stage?
The SPL25 is designed for use with the Thorlabs TDC001 T-Cube USB DC Servo Controller. A compatible power supply (TPS001 for single-channel or TPS008/TCH002 for multi-channel systems) is required but sold separately.
Can the SPL25 be used in vacuum or cleanroom environments?
No—the stage contains lubricated bearings and non-hermetic electronics; it is rated for ambient laboratory use only and is not vacuum-compatible or ISO Class 5 cleanroom certified.
Is encoder-based closed-loop operation mandatory?
Yes. The Hall-effect encoder is integral to the motor assembly and cannot be disabled; all motion commands execute in closed-loop mode to guarantee repeatability and prevent step loss.
How is orthogonality ensured when assembling XY or XYZ stacks?
PT101 base plates and PT102 angle brackets include precision-ground alignment pins and matched mounting hardware, ensuring angular deviation <5 mrad between orthogonal axes in assembled configurations.
What is the maximum recommended operating voltage for the integrated motor?
The DC servo motor is rated for 12 V DC nominal operation; exceeding this may cause thermal derating or encoder signal degradation and voids warranty coverage.