OpticalSubsystems
From HacDC Wiki
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
External
Standards set for us by manufacturers.
- 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 our table is imperial, not metric.)
- Standard optical axis 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.
- Cage square lengths include at least 16mm, 30mm, 60mm.
Internal
Standards we have elected to follow from the above, or have established ourselves, as we build our own tooling.
mirage335
Optical Table Axis Heights
| Element Size | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2" | Intended for lenses up to 1" high, including salvaged projector, disposable camera, and microscope components. |
| Large | 8" | Accommodates larger lenses, particularly for light gathering and projection systems. |
| ExtraLarge | 13" | Accommodates modest Fresnel lenses. |
Optical Rail Axis Heights
| Element Size | Height |
|---|---|
| Small | 1.15" |
| Large | 6.25" |
Optical Cage Square Lengths
| Element Size | Height |
|---|---|
| Small | 30mm/1.1811" |
| Medium | 60mm/2.3622" |
| Large | 6.25" |
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