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Optic Table (4x1)
Overview
Optical breadboards are vital to most optics-adjacent experiments. They allow for easy connection of optical elements to predetermined axes along which light is usually required to travel. The traditional solution for this is a heavy floating table with built-in threads for attachment of optical components. These tables are usually stationary and fixed in terms of working area. Our solution is a mobile, affordable, robust, and modular optic table capable of extension, by stainless steel rods. This article deals with the 4x1 optic table.
Specifications
Dimensions (mm): 1000×225
Weight: 4.48 kg
Animation
Figure 2: An assembly of a 4×1 Optic Table.
Parts
This optic table is comprised of the following constituent parts:
The optic plate is the fundamental unit comprising all K-Optics modular optic tables, and it is the surface upon which optical setups can be assembled. Two stainless steel rods form part of the connection between the blocks, tasked with keeping the table aligned and flush with one another.
The other part of the connection between tables is the double corner sockets. These sockets keep the tables lined right up against one another to ensure no gaps form between them. Additionally, these sockets accommodate a leg which serves as a support point for the rest of the ensemble at the edges. Corner sockets connect to a single corner on each individual block and are designed to accommodate a single leg, each of which is equipped with a stopper to prevent movement post-adjustment. Legs are injection molded using a soft polymer to strengthen their grip with the surface on which the table is laid as well as dampen noise to the system.
Features
This table configuration can host a variety of experimental setups. Its ability to host these setups is overshadowed by its sheer compatibility with almost every conceptualized setup. Optical components can be affixed anywhere along each of the grooves lining the top of the table. Attachment is done by standard threaded locking nuts which can be placed in any lattice spot, wherein there is 5 mm of free movement for additional liberty when placing components. Locking nuts come in either M6 or ¼” threads and are not mutually exclusive – that is, both can be utilized together. Setups made on this table are entirely mobile and can be easily assembled in advance to be taken elsewhere or just assembled as a demonstration and put away until required.