OpticalSubsystems

Just as electronic breadboards often rely on integrated circuits (notably OpAmps), external power, and test equipment, optical tables also benefit from more than simple packaged lenses. Here we document the optical tools available at HacDC, many of which are self-made.

WideBeam Collimated Light Source

A wide beam of high-intensity collimated light is useful for manually checking the results of complicated optical beampaths.

DLP Light Structuring

HacDC has access to some DLP projectors, absent working light sources. These can be used as re-configurable image sources and high-speed light gates.

Tilt and Roll Platform

Even if we could afford them, commercial systems are too expensive to permanently dedicate to completed projects (~$500). Instead, we will 3D print or laser-cut a screw-adjusted spring-loaded platform, much the same as the adjustable bed used by many 3D printers.

Cages

Simple optical cage designs made from smooth or threaded rods. These allow quick, efficient transition between large and small elements using laser cut plates.

Standards

• Tapped holes, ¼-20" UNC on a 1" (25.4 mm) grid. May be compatible with M6 on a 25 mm grid for optical systems with non-critical dimensions. (TODO: Verify table is imperial, not metric.)
• Standard beam center heights include 330mm/13", and possibly 1.15", 1.75", 2", 3.38", 4.5", 6.25", 8" http://www.edmundoptics.co.uk/optomechanics/optical-mounts-plates/lens-mounts/optical-cell-kinematic-mounts/2592.

Reference

• Printed Breadboard - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9040
• Aluminum Angle Mounts - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:38062
• Lens Mount - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:26752/#files http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:62693/#files
• OpenSource Optics - http://www.appropedia.org/Open_source_optics