Kinematic/Gimbal Mount Accessories


  • Allow Greater Mount Versatility in Optical Setups
  • Flip Mount Rotates a Mirror Mount 90 Degrees
  • Adjustable Flip Platform Provides Continuous Angular Adjustment
  • Centering Plates Align Mirror Mounts Over Post Axis

KCP1

Aligning the
Optical Face of
the Mirror in the
KM100 to the
Center of
the Post

KCP05

Fixed Centering Plate
for KM05 Mirror Mount

FM90

KCP2

Fixed Centering Plate
for KM200 Mirror Mount

KMCP

FP90

Related Items


Please Wait

Features

  • Flip Mount Adapter and Adjustable Flip Platform Reposition Optic Mounts Out of a Beam Path
  • Fixed Centering Plates Align the Front Face of an Optic Held in a Standard KM05(/M), KM100, or KM200 Kinematic Mount Over the Post Axis
  • Variable Centering Plate Aligns the Front Face of an Optic Held in a KM-Series Mount or KS1 Precision Mount Over the Post Axis
  • Fabricated from Black Anodized Aluminum

These kinematic/gimbal mount accessories are ideal for adding flexibility to an optical setup. The FM90(/M) Flip Mount Adapter is offered for repositioning an optical mount at 90° from its original position. The FP90(/M) Adjustable Flip Platform features a similar design, but with an array of 8-32 (M4) tapped holes for mounting a variety of components. The fixed centering adapters are designed to align the front face of an optic held in our KM05(/M), KM100, or KM200 Kinematic Mount over the center of a Ø1/2" or Ø1" post. Thorlabs also offers a variable centering plate for translating a kinematic mount between 0.46" (11.7 mm) and 0.79" (20.1 mm) from the center of the #8 (M4) counterbored hole used to post mount the plate.


Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2018-11-08 23:30:36.083)
May I suggest you consider the equivalent of the KCP05(/M) with 2 counterbores (or an equivalent design, maybe thinner)? This would allow to mount / interface 2 parts having both threaded holes and be able to align them (and this would answer my question regarding mounting the XYFM1 (target holder) on the DT12 (mini translation stage), asked on the DT12 feedback page). And there's a minor typo on the present page: "the centering plate [KCP2(/M)] for use with this mount provides one 8-32 (M4) tap and one #8 counterbore": it should be the KCP05(/M).
llamb  (posted 2018-11-09 01:59:50.0)
Thank you for your feedback! I have added this suggestion to our internal product forum for further discussion. I have also contacted our marketing team to update the typo accordingly.
oba2002  (posted 2018-05-31 19:23:33.517)
I have multiple mirror systems mounted on KM100 with FM90. I can select one mirror at a time by flipping the other mirrors down. How can I achieve this in a 30 mm cage system?
YLohia  (posted 2018-06-01 08:40:44.0)
Hello, there are a few options you can look into for a similar application within the 30mm cage system: CP360R (Pivoting, Quick-Release, Ø1" Optic Mount), CFH2 (30 mm Cage System Removable Filter Holder for Ø1" Optics), and CP09 (30 mm Removable Segment Cage Plate).
blanc  (posted 2014-03-25 12:32:34.457)
Dear Madam or sir, Do you know if the KCP05/M is compatible with the KM05FL/M or the FR Thanks in advance Best regards Olivier Blanc
cdaly  (posted 2014-03-25 11:39:28.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: The KM05FL/M in the nominal position seats the face of the optic off of the mounting hole 11.5mm. The KCP05/M would work best for a mount which does this at 13.3mm, which is what the KM05/M with a 6mm thick optic does. I'd recommend using the KMCP/M which can have a varied offset anywhere between 9-20mm if you are looking to have the optic face right over the center of post.
Back to Top

Flip Mount Adapter

FM90 Position Repeatability Test
Click to Enlarge

Position Repeatability of the FM90 Flip Mount Adapter Over 20 Trials

Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
UPH21Ø1/2" Universal Post Holder, Spring Loaded Locking Thumbscrew, L = 2"
TR31Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 3"
FM901Flip Mount Adapter, Imperial
KM1001Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optics
SH25S06311/4"-20 Stainless Steel Cap Screw, 5/8" Long, 25 Pack
SH25S05011/4"-20 Stainless Steel Cap Screw, 1/2" Long, 25 Pack
W25S05011/4" Washer, M6 Compatible, Stainless Steel, 100 Pack
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
UPH50/M1Ø12.7 mm Universal Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Locking Thumbscrew, L = 50 mm
TR75/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 75 mm
FM90/M1Flip Mount Adapter, Metric
KM1001Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optics
SH6MS161M6 x 1.0 Stainless Steel Cap Screw, 16 mm Long, 25 Pack
SH6MS121M6 x 1.0 Stainless Steel Cap Screw, 12 mm Long, 25 Pack
W25S05011/4" Washer, M6 Compatible, Stainless Steel, 100 Pack
The FM90(/M) can be used to move a mounted mirror down out of a beam path (left) and back into the path (right).
  • Rotates 90° to Clear Beam Path
  • Kinematic Design Ensures Repeatability
  • Mounting Options on Top Surface: 
    • Three 8-32 (M4) Mounting Holes
    • One #8 (M4) Counterbore
  • Post Mountable via 1/4" (M6) Counterbore

The FM90 is ideal for applications that require laser beams to be redirected for either diagnostic or beam sharing purposes. The hinged design allows an optical mount to be repositioned outside the beam path, and, when required, a simple flip of the adapter into its closed position (as shown to the right) relocates the mount back into the beam path.

As shown in the plot to the right, this can be accomplished with a repeatability of 4 µrad in each axis. In these tests a beam was redirected into a position detector using an FM90 Flip Mount and a KM100 Mirror Mount. The X-axis deviation, resulting from the tilt of the assembly, and the Y-axis deviation, resulting from the tip of the assembly, were each recorded over 20 tests.

The top surface of the adapter is equipped with three 8-32 (M4) tapped holes as well as one #8 counterbored hole for inserting a cap screw from the underside of the adapter. The base of the adapter is counterbored for a 1/4" (M6) cap screw to attach the adapter to a post or an optical table.

90° Flip Mounts Selection Guide
Post-Mounting Flip Mount Adapter Optic Flip Mounts Motorized Optic Flip Mounts
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
FM90 Support Documentation
FM90Flip Mount Adapter, Imperial
$95.50
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
FM90/M Support Documentation
FM90/MFlip Mount Adapter, Metric
$95.50
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Adjustable Flip Platform


Click to Enlarge

The adjustable flip platform can be set to a user-defined angle for components with specific mounting requirements. The engraved scale with 15° increments guides platform angle positioning.
  • Designed for 90° Angular Adjustment
  • Up to 180° Adjustment Range in Certain Configurations
  • Side-Located Locking Cap Screw with 3/16" (5 mm) Hex
  • 1.25" x 1.25" Mounting Platform with Eleven 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes
  • 8-32 (M4) Mounting Tap on the Side of Each Plate
  • Four 8-32 Tapped Holes on the Bottom Plate for Additional Mounting Options
  • Engraved Tick Marks in 15° Increments

The Adjustable Flip Platform is designed to attach to the top of our Ø1/2" or Ø1" posts and provide flexible mounting options for components. The flip platform can be secured on the post using the #8 (M4) counterbore located in the center of the bottom plate, or the 8-32 (M4) tapped mounting hole on the side of each of the two plates. The 1.25" x 1.25" top plate features eleven 8-32 (M4) tapped holes for mounting components.

The angle of the top plate can be adjusted between 0° and 90° with respect to the optical table surface when mounted using the counterbore in the center of the bottom plate. When mounted using the 8-32 tapped hole on the side, the top plate can be adjusted between -90° and +90° with respect to the optical table surface. In order to lock the platform in place, tighten the cap screw on the side using a 3/16" (5 mm) balldriver or hex key.

The flip platform can be converted between a right- and left-handed setup. Simply remove the locking screw, separate the top and bottom plates, flip the bottom plate upside-down, and reassemble the flip platform. This allows the user to choose the direction from which the locking screw is accessed, in case one orientation better suits the experimental setup.

Click here for test data on the effectiveness of the flexure locking screw.

Thorlabs offers additional products that can be used to place a mirror or other optical component at a fixed angle such as the post mounting angle blocks.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
FP90 Support Documentation
FP90Adjustable Flip Platform, 8-32 Taps
$79.00
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
FP90/M Support Documentation
FP90/MAdjustable Flip Platform, M4 Taps
$79.00
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Fixed Centering Plates for Kinematic Mounts

KCP05 Centering Plate Application
Click to Enlarge

KM05 Being Connected to the KCP05 Centering Plate
  • Centers Mirror Face Over Post Rotation Axis for KM05(/M), KM100, or KM200 Standard Kinematic Mount
  • Constructed from a Single Piece of Black Anodized Aluminum

As most conventional mirror mounts utilize their back plates for mounting to a post, the front surface of the optic is typically offset from the center of the mounting post. These centering plates are designed to position the front face of an optic in the KM05(/M), KM100, or KM200 Kinematic Mount over the center of a Ø1/2" or Ø1" post. Centering the optical face reduces any off-axis shift of the optical path when rotating the mounting post.

The KCP1(/M) and KCP2(/M) are equipped with two 8-32 (M4) taps. Thread a Ø1/2" post into one end, and secure the kinematic mount to the centering plate using the other tap. Since our kinematic mounts for Ø1/2" optics are designed with an 8-32 (M4) tap instead of a #8 counterbore like their Ø1" and Ø2" counterparts, the centering plate [KCP05(/M)] for use with this mount provides one 8-32 (M4) tap and one #8 counterbore (see image to the right).

Item # Mounting Compatible
Kinematic Mount
Optic Thickness
Needed for Centering
Total Length
of Centering Plate
Thickness
of Centering Plate
KCP05(/M) One 8-32 (M4) Tapped Hole,
One #8 Counterbored Hole
KM05 or
KM05/M
6 mm (0.24") 1.02" (25.9 mm) 0.25" (6.35 mm)
KCP1(/M) 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes,
2 Places
KM100
KCP2(/M) 8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes,
2 Places
KM200 12 mm (0.47") 1.34" (34.0 mm)
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
KCP05 Support Documentation
KCP05Centering Plate for Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1/2" Optic
$18.89
3-5 Days
KCP1 Support Documentation
KCP1Centering Plate for Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optic
$18.89
3-5 Days
KCP2 Support Documentation
KCP2Centering Plate for Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø2" Optic
$21.26
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
KCP05/M Support Documentation
KCP05/MCentering Plate for Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1/2" Optic, Metric
$18.89
3-5 Days
KCP1/M Support Documentation
KCP1/MCentering Plate for Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optic, Metric
$18.89
3-5 Days
KCP2/M Support Documentation
KCP2/MCentering Plate for Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø2" Optic, Metric
$21.26
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Variable Centering Plate for Kinematic Mounts

KCP05 Centering Plate Application
Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
KMCP1Kinematic Mount Centering Plate
RP011Ø2" Manual Rotation Stage
PH21Ø1/2" Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L = 2"
TR1.51Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 1.5"
KS11Ø1" Precision Kinematic Mirror Mount, 3 Adjusters
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
KMCP/M1Kinematic Mount Centering Plate, Metric
RP01/M1Ø2" Manual Rotation Stage, Metric
PH50/M1Ø12.7 mm Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L=50 mm
TR40/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 40 mm
KS11Ø1" Precision Kinematic Mirror Mount, 3 Adjusters

KMCP Centers Mirror Over the Rotation Axis
  • Positions Optical Face in Line with Post Rotation Axis
  • 8-32 (M4) Nut Attaches Kinematic Mounts
  • Positioning Range of 0.33" (8.4 mm)

As most conventional mirror mounts utilize their back plates for mounting to a post, the front surface of the optic is typically offset from the center of the mounting post. The KMCP Centering Plate utilizes an 8-32 (M4) nut embedded within a slotted counterbore to attach a kinematic mirror mount. The center of the nut translates between 0.46" (11.7 mm) and 0.79" (20.1 mm) from the center of the counterbored #8 (M4) hole used to post mount the centering plate. The mirror's front surface can be positioned over a range of 0.33" (8.4 mm), allowing the front surface of the mirror to be centered over the Ø1/2" mounting post. This reduces any off-axis shift of the optical path when rotating the mounting post. The KMCP can alternatively be used as an extension to insert a mount into a beam path when space limitations prevent using a post holder.

This centering plate is compatible with any KM-series mounts, the KS1 Precision Kinematic Mount, and all Ø1/2" Posts.

Aligning Kinematic Mounts with #8 (M4) Through Holes


Use an 8-32 (M4) cap screw to attach the mount to the KMCP using the sliding nut. The counterbored #8 (M4) through hole on the KMCP is then used to attach the KMCP to a post.
Aligning Kinematic Mount with Tapped 8-32 (M4) Mounting Holes


Use an 8-32 (M4) cap screw to attach the mount to the KMCP using the counterbored #8 (M4) through hole on the KMCP. The sliding nut is then used to attach the KMCP to a post.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
KMCP Support Documentation
KMCPKinematic Mount Centering Plate
$23.76
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
KMCP/M Support Documentation
KMCP/MKinematic Mount Centering Plate, Metric
$23.76
3-5 Days
Last Edited: Sep 12, 2013 Author: Mike Yanakas