V-Type Optical Mount HTVM25

Overview

The HTVM25 V-Type Optical Mount is a precision mechanical adjustment fixture engineered for secure, repeatable alignment and stabilization of cylindrical optical components—including lenses, laser rods, optical fibers, and collimators—within optical benches, interferometric setups, and laser cavity configurations. Its design follows classical V-groove kinematic mounting principles, leveraging two opposing 90° hardened steel contact surfaces to constrain radial degrees of freedom while permitting controlled axial translation and angular tilt via orthogonal micrometer-driven adjustments. The mount operates on passive mechanical stability rather than active feedback, making it suitable for static or quasi-static alignment tasks in environments requiring low thermal drift and minimal hysteresis. It is commonly deployed in university teaching labs, R&D photonics facilities, and OEM optical subsystem integration where deterministic, tool-free repositioning of round optics is critical.

Key Features

• V-groove geometry with precisely ground 90° contact surfaces for consistent centering of cylindrical optics with diameters ranging from 6 mm to 25 mm
• 1/4″-100 fine-pitch stainless steel adjusting screw enabling sub-5 µm linear resolution per full turn, with integrated locking collar to prevent drift during vibration or thermal cycling
• Integrated phosphor-bronze tension spring ensures reliable, non-fatiguing return force for repeatable clamping pressure and zero-backlash retraction
• Height-adjustable base plate (±3.5 mm vertical range) accommodates varying optical axis elevations across multi-component systems
• Black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum body provides high stiffness-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with standard optical table mounting (M4 and 1/4″-20 tapped holes)
• Interchangeable V-block inserts available upon request for specialized diameter ranges or custom surface finishes (e.g., DLC-coated or ceramic)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HTVM25 supports cylindrical optical elements with outer diameters from 6 mm to 25 mm and lengths up to 120 mm. It is compatible with fused silica, BK7, CaF₂, sapphire, and metal-coated rods or tubes. All materials comply with RoHS 2015/863/EU directives. Surface finish meets ISO 10110-7 specification for optical mounting hardware (Rₐ ≤ 0.8 µm on functional contact faces). The mount is designed to maintain positional repeatability within ±2 µm over 1,000 actuation cycles under ambient lab conditions (20–25°C, 40–60% RH), verified per ISO 10110-8 test protocol. No regulatory certification (e.g., FDA, CE) applies, as it is classified as a passive mechanical component—not a medical device or safety-critical system.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical mounting solution, the HTVM25 requires no firmware, drivers, or software interface. Alignment parameters are documented manually or integrated into lab notebooks compliant with GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards. When used in conjunction with motorized stages or automated alignment platforms (e.g., Thorlabs Kinesis or Newport ESP300 controllers), position logs may be captured via external motion control APIs. Traceability of setup configurations—including screw torque values (recommended: 0.35 N·m), clamping force (calibrated to 8–12 N), and orientation angles—is supported through standardized lab SOP templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Applications

• Alignment of He-Ne and diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser rods in resonator cavities
• Mounting and coarse/fine centering of aspheric lens barrels in collimation assemblies
• Stabilization of fiber ferrules during free-space coupling experiments
• Teaching kinematic mounting theory and error budget analysis in undergraduate optics laboratories
• Integration into custom interferometer arms requiring thermal-stable, non-magnetic support (non-ferrous construction)
• Positioning of cylindrical reference artifacts in wavefront sensor calibration workflows

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping force achievable without damaging a BK7 lens rod?
The recommended maximum clamping force is 12 N; exceeding this may induce stress birefringence or micro-fractures in brittle optical glasses.
Can the HTVM25 be used in vacuum environments?
Yes—its aluminum body and stainless steel hardware are UHV-compatible when cleaned per ASTM E2060; outgassing rates meet ISO 11241 Class 1 specifications at 10⁻⁶ mbar.
Is thermal expansion compensated in the V-block design?
No active compensation is included; however, the matched CTE (23.6 × 10⁻⁶/K) between the aluminum housing and steel screws minimizes relative drift below ±0.8 µm over a 10°C temperature swing.
Are replacement V-blocks available for 12.7 mm optics?
Yes—standard interchangeable inserts for Ø12.7 mm (1/2″) optics are stocked under part number HTVM25-V127.
Does the mount include mounting hardware for optical tables?
Yes—two M4 cap screws and washers are supplied for direct attachment to standard 25 mm pitch metric optical tables.