Features

• High-Precision Differential Adjusters Provide Submicron Translation
• Easy-to-Follow Instructions and Alignment Tools
• KT110 Fiber Coupler Accepts FC or SMA Fiber Cables
• KT310 Spatial Filter Directly Compatible with Ø9 mm Aspheric Lens Housings

Fiber Launch Systems

Thorlabs' KT110(/M) fiber launch system couples free-space laser beams into fiber optic cables. This system, which can be used with single or multimode fiber, is equipped with high-precision differential adjusters capable of submicron translation.

This fiber launch system only includes optomechanical components (see the Components tab for a complete list of components). The table to the right lists the recommended optics for focusing collimated light into the output fiber (KT110).

Spatial Filter Systems

Many applications, such as holography, require a beam with uniform intensity. The KT310 spatial filter is ideal for producing a clean, spatially uniform, Gaussian beam. The input of this system consists of a Z-axis translator, which can house a diffraction-limted aspheric lens. This aspheric lens focuses the beam through a pinhole, which can be mounted in the XY translator. The output consists of a Ø1" cage mount, which holds and centers a collimating optic.

This filter system only includes optomechanical components (see the Components tab for a complete list of components). The aspheric lens, collimating optics, and pinhole must be purchased seperately. Please refer to the Tutorial tab for more information on choosing the appropriate optics and pinhole for your application.

Principles of Spatial Filters

For many applications, such as holography, spatial intensity variations in the laser beam are unacceptable. Our KT310 spatial filter system is ideal for producing a clean Gaussian beam.

The input Gaussian beam has spatially varying intensity noise. When a beam is focused by an aspheric lens, the input beam is transformed into a central Guassian spot (on the optical axis) and side fringes, which represent the unwanted noise. The radial position of the side fringes is proportional to the spatial frequency of the noise. By centering a pinhole on the central Gaussian spot, the clean portion of the beam can pass while the fringes are blocked (see figure below):

Figure 1 - Spatial Filter System

The diffraction-limited spot size at the 99% contour is given by

Diffraction-Limited Spot Size

where λ = wavelength, f = focal length, and r = input beam 1/e² radius. A pinhole that is approximately 30% larger is chosen to allow the focused Gaussian spot to pass while blocking the noise fringes that are shifted off axis.

Choosing the Correct Optics and Pinhole for Your Spatial Filter System

The correct optics and pinhole for your application depend on the input wavelength, source beam diameter, and desired exit beam diameter.

For example, suppose that you are using a 650 nm diode laser source that has a diameter (1/e²) of 1.2 mm and want your beam exiting the spatial filter system to be about 4.4 mm in diameter. Based on these parameters, the C560TME-B mounted aspheric lens would be an appropriate choice for the input side of spatial filter system because it is designed for use at 650 nm, and its clear aperture measures 5.1 mm, which is large enough to accommodate the entire diameter of the laser source.

The equation for diffraction limited spot size at the 99% contour is given above, and for this example, λ = (650 x 10^-9 m), f = 13.86 mm for the C560TM-B, and r = 0.6 mm. Substitution yields

Diffraction-Limited Spot Size (650 nm source, Ø1.2 mm beam)

The pinhole should be chosen so that it is approximately 30% larger than D. If the pinhole is too small, the beam will be clipped, but if it is too large, more than the TEM₀₀ mode will get through the pinhole. Therefore, for this example, the pinhole should ideally be 19.5 microns. Hence, we would recommend the mounted pinhole P20S, which has a pinhole size of 20 μm. Parameters that can be changed to alter the beam waist diameter, and thus the pinhole size required, include changing the input beam diameter and focal length of focusing lens. Decreasing the input beam diameter will increase the beam waist diameter. Using a longer focal length focusing lens will also increase the beam waist diameter.

Finally, we need to choose the optic on the output side of the spatial filter so that the collimated beam's diameter is the desired 4.4 mm. To determine the correct focal length for the lens, consider the following diagram, which is not drawn to scale. From the triangle on the left-hand side, the angle is determined to be approximately 2.48^o. Using this same angle for the triangle on the right-hand side, the focal length for the plano-convex lens should be approximately
50 mm.

For this focal length, we recommend the LA1131-B plano-convex lens [with f = 50 mm at the design wavelength (λ = 633 nm), this is still a good approximation for f at the source wavelength (λ = 650 nm)].

Note: The beam expansion equals the focal length of the output side divided by the focal length of the input side.

For optimal performance, a large-diameter aspheric lens can be used in place of a plano-convex lens if the necessary focal length on the output side is 20 mm (see AL2520-A, AL2520-B, AL2520-C). These lenses are 25 mm in diameter and can be held in place using the supplied SM1RR Retaining Ring.

An example of the standard cage
plate measurements determining
cage system compatibility.

Cage System Overview

The Cage Assembly System provides a convenient way to construct large optomechanical systems with an established line of precision-machined building blocks designed for high flexibility and accurate alignment.

16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm Cage System Standards

Thorlabs offers three standards defined by the center-to-center spacing of the cage assembly rods (see image to right). The 16 mm cage, 30 mm cage, and 60 mm cage standards are designed to accomodate Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optics, respectively. Specialized cage plates that allow smaller optics to be directly inserted into our larger cage systems are also available.

Standard Threads

The flexibility of our Cage Assembly System stems from well-defined mounting and thread standards designed to directly interface with a wide range of specialized products. The three most prevalent thread standards are our SM05 Series (0.535"-40 thread), SM1 Series (1.035"-40 thread), and SM2 Series (2.035"-40 thread), all of which were defined to house the industry's most common optic sizes. Essential building blocks, such as our popular lens tubes, directly interface to these standards.