Thorlabs' Non-Magnetic Standard Series of Optical Tables are designed to provide a superior mounting surface for general purpose photonics applications that are not extremely sensitive to vibrations. Our introductory line of Non-Magnetic Standard series optical tables are often used in spectroscopy, multimode fiber, micropositioning, and non-interferometeric applications. For more information on the specifications and construction of the Standard series of optical tables please view the Specs and ConstructionSpecs tabs, respectively. Custom sizes, including a 12.2" (310 mm) thick StandardPlus version of this table or a non-magnetic optical table made from 316L stainless steel can be ordered (316L contains molybdenum, which improves the steel's resistance to corrosion).
Vibration isolation systems are composed of two components: an optical table and optical table supports. As described in the optical tables tutorial, the vibration sources in the environment surrounding the optical table principally determine the level of isolation required in the optical table supports while the application and sources of vibration on the optical table surface are the determining factors in choosing an optical table (see the Selection Guide tab).
Quick Non-Magnetic Optical Table Model Selection Guide
Damping Level
Optical Table Series
High
Standard
Enhanced
Performance (see below)
Maximum
Ultra (see below)
For a more detailed guide to choosing an optical table model please see the Selection Guide tab. Also available are optical tables made from magnetic stainless steel.
Performance Specifications*
Specifications
Value
Maximum Dynamic Deflection Coefficient
<1.3 x 10-3
Maximum Relative Tabletop Motion
<0.27 nm (10.5 x 10-9 in.)
Deflection Under Load (Stiffness)
<1.65 μm (6.5 x 10-5 in.) for a 113 kg (250 lb) Load
*Measured on a 4' x 8' x 12.2" (W x L x H) table with isolator transmissibility T<0.01 above 10 Hz, environmental vibrations PSD <10-9 g2/Hz. The 12.2" (310 mm) thick tables are available as a custom order.
Dynamic Deflection Coefficient
The dynamic deflection coefficient is a figure of merit for optical tables that is derived from the measurement of the optical table's compliance. Physically, the dynamic deflection coefficient can be interpreted as a measure of the tables motion when the table is subjected to vibrations.
where Q is the amplification of the tables response to a vibrational source at a specific frequency (f) of the optic table. Q is calculated by dividing the compliance at the optical table resonance frequency by the theoretical compliance of an ideal rigid body. The maximum dynamic deflection coefficient is usually due to the response of the optical table at its first natural resonance frequency. In the Performance, and Ultra series of non-magnetic optical tables, proprietary tuned damping mechanisms are used to limit the value of Q at the tables natural resonances. (Note: The Ultra and UltraPlus series of optical tables have the best tuned damping system.)
Relative Tabletop Motion
The relative tabletop motion is the relative displacement of any two points on the optical table surface due to environmental vibrations transmitted through the optical table supports. The maximum relative tabletop motion is the worst case relative displacement; for a rectangular optical table the two points that produce the worst case results are generally located at the corners of the optical table. The measurement reported in the specifications table was taken in a quite laboratory environment (PSD <10-9 g2/Hz). The optical table supports used to support the optical table had a transmissibility less than 0.01 for frequencies greater than 10 Hz.
Deflection Under Load
The deflection under load is a measure of the stiffness of the optical table. The stiffness of an optical table can be quantified by placing a load at the center of the optical table and measuring the deflection of the optical table surface, which will have a parabolic shape. The specification reported in the table is the relative vertical displacement between the center and edge of the optical table.
Thorlabs' Non- Magnetic Standard series of optical tabletops provide a stable platform for general research and product development. A cross section of a Non-Magnetic Standard series optical table is shown in Figure 1. Each Non-Magnetic Standard series optical table is constructed with thermally matched (i.e., 5 mm thick magnetic 304L stainless steel with 316L stainless steel available by request) top and bottom plates, aluminum side walls, and an interior high-density aluminum honeycomb structure.
Figure 1. Cross section of a Non-Magnetic Standard Series Optical Table
Construction Specifications
Specifications
Value
Table thickness
210 mm (8.3")
Flatness
±0.1 mm (±0.004") Over Any 1 m2
Construction
Double Plate, Single Honeycomb Core
Top and Bottom Plates
Matched Materials for Athermalized Design
Top and Bottom Plate Material
Non-magnetic 304L Stainless Steel, 5 mm (3/16") Thick
Maximum Screw Depth
16 mm (5/8") from Table Surface
Core Construction
High-density Aluminum Honeycomb
Damping
Proprietary Broadband Damping
Side Construction
Black Aluminum, Slightly Inset From Table Surface
Top Surface Finish
Brushed Steel
Mounting Hole Specifications
Imperial
Metric
Mounting Hole Spacing
1/4"-20 Tapped Holes on 1" Centers
M6 Tapped Holes on 25 mm Centers
Distance from edge to first holes
3.3' Wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.6" Along the Length of the Table 4.1' wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.6" Along the Length of the Table 4.9' wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.5" Along the Length of the Table
50 mm on all Sides
Thorlabs' optical tables have design features that enhance their usability and longevity. Some of these features can be as important as the optical table's performance specifications (see the Specs tab) when it comes to choosing a table. The table below summarizes some of the construction features found on Thorlabs' optical tables that make a tangible difference in the quality of the finished product.
Optical Table Construction
Category
Feature and Benefit
Top Plate Construction
The top and bottom plates of a non-magnetic optical table are made from sheets of 5 mm thick 304L (316L by request) stainless steel. Thorlabs' constructs its optical tables with matched plates so that the thermal expansion of the top and bottom plates is identical. This prevents the table from bowing or developing internal stresses due to changes in temperature.
An advanced handling and pressurized thermal bonding process ensures that the top surface remains flat and stress free. In other words, the top surface of the table starts out flat and stays flat throughout the entire construction process.
The top surface of the optical table has a brushed surface in order to minimize specular reflections.
Sidewall Construction
The sidewalls of the non-magnetic optical tables is made from aluminum for superior stiffness and structural integrity.
Interior Construction
The pressurized thermal bonding process ensures the structural integrity of the composite table and eliminates the possibility of delamination.
The interior high-density honeycomb core is made from aluminum.
Vibrations transmitted to or created on Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical table are damped via proprietary tuned and broadband dampers. The broadband dampers are specially shaped pieces of inhomogeneous material which act as though they contain a spectrum of masses, separated by a continuous spectrum of distances in an elastomeric polymer. The effect is dramatic; greatly reducing the height of the low frequency resonance compliance peaks, sometimes by more than an order of magnitude.
Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical tables are constructed using an interior 304L stainless steel plate that is identical to the table's top and bottom plates. The third plate increases the stiffness of the optical table.
Mounting Holes
A vinyl film is used to seal the bottom of each mounting hole prior to thermally bonding the table together. This ensures that each hole is completely free from any adhesive material. When using a hole for the first time the vinyl film is easily punctured to allow the screw to be threaded deep into the table.
Prior to bonding the components of the table, each mounting hole in the top surface is tapped and slightly countersunk to ensure that components mounted to the table sit flat. The mounting holes are then cleaned and sealed on the bottom with a vinyl film (see above). As a result, cap screws can be finger tightened into the mounting holes of the finished optical tables.
Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical tables have brass mounting hole cups that isolate each hole from the interior volume of the table, which makes cleaning up spills and recovering any small pieces that fall into the mounting holes easier.
Unpacked Imperial Table Weight
Unpacked Metric Table Mass
Item #
Dimensions (L X W X H)
Weight (lbs)
Mass (kg)
NTM11109
8' x 4.1' x 8.3"
640
291
NTM11114
10' x 4.9' x 8.3"
430
946
Item #
Dimensions (mm) (L X W X H)
Mass (kg)
Weight (lbs)
NTM51509
2500 mm x 1250 mm x 210 mm
299
658
NTM51514
3000 mm x 1500 mm x 210 mm
426
937
The table below can be used as a guide for selecting the proper table model. After selecting the model, only a few choices remain. Each optical table model is available in a range of sizes, both imperial and metric, to meet many application needs. The sizes range from 1 m x 2 m (3.3' x 6') to 1.5 m x 4.25 m (5' x 14'). In addition, custom sizes, joined configurations, laser ports, mounting for accessory shelves, black finish, double density hole grids, custom cutouts, and custom hole patterns are easily accommodated. We can also provide special heights for any of our optical table supports. Ask a Thorlabs application engineer about custom options.
Non-Magnetic Optical Table and Non-Magnetic Optical Table Isolator Selection Guide
Quite Environment1 (PSD < 10-10 g2/Hz)
Typical Laboratory Environment2 (PSD ~10-8 to 10-9 g2/Hz)
1 The lab floor consists of a subterranean slab in a remote environment. 2 The lab is in the basement or ground floor of building. 3 The lab is on the upper floors of a building or near significant sources of vibrations. * 12.2" (310 mm) thick optical tables in all three series are available as custom orders.
Thorlabs makes non-magnetic optical tables that are 8.3" thick (12.2" thick by request); the thickness of the optical table is highly correlated with the Stiffness of the optical table. The Standard, Performance, and Ultra series of optical tables are very stiff due to the non-magnetic 304L stainless steel top and bottom plates in addition to the high-density honeycomb core and sidewalls made from aluminum. Stiffness can be quantified by considering the deflection of the optical table when subjected to a load. For example, when a 113 kg load is placed on the center of a PTM11109 (a 4' x 8' high stiffness, standard damping, tabletop, 8.3" thick), the table will bend by 4.1 µm (i.e., the tabletop will have a parabolic shape with the center being 4.1µm lower then the edges). A PTM12109 (a 4' x 8' enhanced stiffness, standard damping, tabletop, 12.2" thick) in the same example would deflect by only 1.8 µm.
Damping refers to the tabletop's ability to cause an oscillation to decay rapidly to zero when vibration (typically from instrumentation or acoustic noise) is introduced on the tabletop. Thorlabs offers three levels of damping: high (Standard), enhanced (Performance), and maximum (Ultra). They dynamic deflection coefficient and relative tabletop motion specifications found in the Specs tab are strongly correlated with damping properties of the optical table.
Thorlabs' Non-Magnetic Performance Series of Optical Tables are designed to provide a superior mounting surface for vibrationally sensitive photonics applications due to the triple plate, double honeycomb design with proprietary broadband and tuned damping systems. Our intermediate line of Non-Magnetic Performance and series optical tables are often used in imaging, single mode fiber launch, micropositioning, and interferometeric applications. For more information on the specifications and construction of the Performance series of optical tables please view the Specs and Construction Specs tabs, respectively. Custom sizes, including a 12.2" (310 mm) thick PerformancePlus version of this table or a non-magnetic optical table made from 316L stainless steel can be ordered (316L contains molybdenum, which improves the steel's resistance to corrosion).
Vibration isolation systems are composed of two components: an optical table and optical table supports. As described in the optical tables tutorial, the vibration sources in the environment surrounding the optical table principally determine the level of isolation required in the optical table supports while the application and sources of vibration on the optical table surface are the determining factors in choosing an optical table (see the Selection Guide tab).
Quick Non-Magnetic Optical Table Model Selection Guide
Damping Level
Optical Table Series
High
Standard (see above)
Enhanced
Performance
Maximum
Ultra (see below)
For a more detailed guide to choosing an optical table model please see the Selection Guide tab. Also available are optical tables made from magnetic stainless steel.
Performance Specifications*
Specifications
Value
Maximum Dynamic Deflection Coefficient
<0.7x 10-3
Maximum Relative Tabletop Motion
<0.14 nm (5.5 x 10-9 in.)
Deflection Under Load (Stiffness)
<1.5 μm (5.9 x 10-5 in.)
*Measured on a 4' x 8' x 12.2" (W x L x H) table with isolator transmissibility T<0.01 above 10 Hz, environmental vibrations PSD <10-9 g2/Hz. The 12.2" (310 mm) thick tables are available as a custom order.
Dynamic Deflection Coefficient
The dynamic deflection coefficient is a figure of merit for optical tables that is derived from the measurement of the optical table's compliance. Physically, the dynamic deflection coefficient can be interpreted as a measure of the tables motion when the table is subjected to vibrations.
where Q is the amplification of the tables response to a vibrational source at a specific frequency (f) of the optic table. Q is calculated by dividing the compliance at the optical table resonance frequency by the theoretical compliance of an ideal rigid body. The maximum dynamic deflection coefficient is usually due to the response of the optical table at its first natural resonance frequency. In the Performance, and Ultra series of non-magnetic optical tables, proprietary tuned damping mechanisms are used to limit the value of Q at the tables natural resonances. (Note: The Ultra and UltraPlus series of optical tables have the best tuned damping system.)
Relative Tabletop Motion
The relative tabletop motion is the relative displacement of any two points on the optical table surface due to environmental vibrations transmitted through the optical table supports. The maximum relative tabletop motion is the worst case relative displacement; for a rectangular optical table the two points that produce the worst case results are generally located at the corners of the optical table. The measurement reported in the specifications table was taken in a quite laboratory environment (PSD <10-9 g2/Hz). The optical table supports used to support the optical table had a transmissibility less than 0.01 for frequencies greater than 10 Hz.
Deflection Under Load
The deflection under load is a measure of the stiffness of the optical table. The stiffness of an optical table can be quantified by placing a load at the center of the optical table and measuring the deflection of the optical table surface, which will have a parabolic shape. The specification reported in the table is the relative vertical displacement between the center and edge of the optical table.
Thorlabs' Non- Magnetic Performance series of optical tabletops provide an excellent stable platform for photonics research and product development. A cross section of a Non-Magnetic Performance series optical table is shown in Figure 1. Each Non-Magnetic Performance series optical table is constructed with thermally matched (i.e., 5 mm thick magnetic 304L stainless steel with 316L stainless steel available by request) top, bottom, and intermediate plates, aluminum side walls, and two interior high-density honeycomb structure (the main layer is made from aluminum while the upper layer is made from brass cylinders).
Figure 1. Cross section of a Non-Magnetic Performance Series Optical Table
Construction Specifications
Specifications
Value
Table thickness
210 mm (8.3")
Flatness
±0.1 mm (±0.004") Over Any 1 m2
Construction
Triple Plate, Double Honeycomb Core
Top, Bottom, and Intermediate Plates
Matched Materials for Athermalized Design
Top, Bottom, and Intermediate Plate Material
Non-magnetic 304L Stainless Steel, 5 mm (3/16") Thick
Maximum Screw Depth
16 mm (5/8") from Table Surface
Bottom Core Layer Construction
Aluminum, High-density Honeycomb
Top Core Layer Construction
Brass Cylindrical Cups, 0.5" (13 mm) Thick
Damping
Proprietary Broadband and Tuned Damping
Side Construction
Black Aluminum, Slightly Inset From Table Surface
Top Surface Finish
Brushed Steel
Mounting Hole Specifications
Imperial
Metric
Mounting Hole Spacing
1/4"-20 Tapped Holes on 1" Centers
M6 Tapped Holes on 25 mm Centers
Distance from edge to first holes
3.3' Wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.6" Along the Length of the Table 4.1' wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.6" Along the Length of the Table 4.9' wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.5" Along the Length of the Table
50 mm on all Sides
Thorlabs' optical tables have design features that enhance their usability and longevity. Some of these features can be as important as the optical table's performance specifications (see the Specs tab) when it comes to choosing a table. The table below summarizes some of the construction features found on Thorlabs' optical tables that make a tangible difference in the quality of the finished product.
Optical Table Construction
Category
Feature and Benefit
Top Plate Construction
The top and bottom plates of a non-magnetic optical table are made from sheets of 5 mm thick 304L (316L by request) stainless steel. Thorlabs' constructs its optical tables with matched plates so that the thermal expansion of the top and bottom plates is identical. This prevents the table from bowing or developing internal stresses due to changes in temperature.
An advanced handling and pressurized thermal bonding process ensures that the top surface remains flat and stress free. In other words, the top surface of the table starts out flat and stays flat throughout the entire construction process.
The top surface of the optical table has a brushed surface in order to minimize specular reflections.
Sidewall Construction
The sidewalls of the non-magnetic optical tables is made from aluminum for superior stiffness and structural integrity.
Interior Construction
The pressurized thermal bonding process ensures the structural integrity of the composite table and eliminates the possibility of delamination.
The interior high-density honeycomb core is made from aluminum.
Vibrations transmitted to or created on Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical table are damped via proprietary tuned and broadband dampers. The broadband dampers are specially shaped pieces of inhomogeneous material which act as though they contain a spectrum of masses, separated by a continuous spectrum of distances in an elastomeric polymer. The effect is dramatic; greatly reducing the height of the low frequency resonance compliance peaks, sometimes by more than an order of magnitude.
Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical tables are constructed using an interior 304L stainless steel plate that is identical to the table's top and bottom plates. The third plate increases the stiffness of the optical table.
Mounting Holes
A vinyl film is used to seal the bottom of each mounting hole prior to thermally bonding the table together. This ensures that each hole is completely free from any adhesive material. When using a hole for the first time the vinyl film is easily punctured to allow the screw to be threaded deep into the table.
Prior to bonding the components of the table, each mounting hole in the top surface is tapped and slightly countersunk to ensure that components mounted to the table sit flat. The mounting holes are then cleaned and sealed on the bottom with a vinyl film (see above). As a result, cap screws can be finger tightened into the mounting holes of the finished optical tables.
Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical tables have brass mounting hole cups that isolate each hole from the interior volume of the table, which makes cleaning up spills and recovering any small pieces that fall into the mounting holes easier.
Unpacked Imperial Table Weight
Unpacked Metric Table Mass
Item #
Dimensions (L X W X H)
Weight (lbs)
Mass (kg)
NTQ11109
8' x 4.1' x 8.3"
818
372
NTQ11114
10' x 4.9' x 8.3"
1195
543
Item #
Dimensions (mm) (L X W X H)
Mass (kg)
Weight (lbs)
NTQ51509
2500 mm x 1250 mm x 210 mm
381
838
NTQ51514
3000 mm x 1500 mm x 210 mm
538
1184
The table below can be used as a guide for selecting the proper table model. After selecting the model, only a few choices remain. Each optical table model is available in a range of sizes, both imperial and metric, to meet many application needs. The sizes range from 1 m x 2 m (3.3' x 6') to 1.5 m x 4.25 m (5' x 14'). In addition, custom sizes, joined configurations, laser ports, mounting for accessory shelves, black finish, double density hole grids, custom cutouts, and custom hole patterns are easily accommodated. We can also provide special heights for any of our optical table supports. Ask a Thorlabs application engineer about custom options.
Non-Magnetic Optical Table and Non-Magnetic Optical Table Isolator Selection Guide
Quite Environment1 (PSD < 10-10 g2/Hz)
Typical Laboratory Environment2 (PSD ~10-8 to 10-9 g2/Hz)
1 The lab floor consists of a subterranean slab in a remote environment. 2 The lab is in the basement or ground floor of building. 3 The lab is on the upper floors of a building or near significant sources of vibrations. * 12.2" (310 mm) thick optical tables in all three series are available as custom orders.
Thorlabs makes non-magnetic optical tables that are 8.3" thick (12.2" thick by request); the thickness of the optical table is highly correlated with the Stiffness of the optical table. The Standard, Performance, and Ultra series of optical tables are very stiff due to the non-magnetic 304L stainless steel top and bottom plates in addition to the high-density honeycomb core and sidewalls made from aluminum. Stiffness can be quantified by considering the deflection of the optical table when subjected to a load. For example, when a 113 kg load is placed on the center of a PTM11109 (a 4' x 8' high stiffness, standard damping, tabletop, 8.3" thick), the table will bend by 4.1 µm (i.e., the tabletop will have a parabolic shape with the center being 4.1µm lower then the edges). A PTM12109 (a 4' x 8' enhanced stiffness, standard damping, tabletop, 12.2" thick) in the same example would deflect by only 1.8 µm.
Damping refers to the tabletop's ability to cause an oscillation to decay rapidly to zero when vibration (typically from instrumentation or acoustic noise) is introduced on the tabletop. Thorlabs offers three levels of damping: high (Standard), enhanced (Performance), and maximum (Ultra). They dynamic deflection coefficient and relative tabletop motion specifications found in the Specs tab are strongly correlated with damping properties of the optical table.
Thorlabs' Non-Magnetic Ultra Series of Optical Tables are designed to provide an ultra-stable mounting surface for vibrationally sensitive photonics applications due to the triple plate, double honeycomb design with proprietary broadband and tuned damping systems. Our premium line of Ultra series optical tables are often used in interferometery, single mode fiber launch, nanopositioning, and imaging applications. For more information on the specifications and construction of the Ultra series of optical tables please view the Specs and Construction Specs tabs, respectively. Custom sizes, including a 12.2" (310 mm) thick UltraPlus version of this table or a non-magnetic optical table made from 316L stainless steel can be ordered (316L contains molybdenum, which improves the steel's resistance to corrosion).
Vibration isolation systems are composed of two components: an optical table and optical table supports. As described in the optical tables tutorial, the vibration sources in the environment surrounding the optical table principally determine the level of isolation required in the optical table supports while the application and sources of vibration on the optical table surface are the determining factors in choosing an optical table (see the Selection Guide tab).
Quick Non-Magnetic Optical Table Model Selection Guide
Damping Level
Optical Table Series
High
Standard (see above)
Enhanced
Performance (see above)
Maximum
Ultra
For a more detailed guide to choosing an optical table model please see the Selection Guide tab. Also available are optical tables made from magnetic stainless steel.
Performance Specifications*
Specifications
Value
Maximum Dynamic Deflection Coefficient
<0.5 x 10-3
Maximum Relative Tabletop Motion
<0.10 nm (4 x 10-9 in.)
Deflection Under Load (Stiffness)
<1.5 μm (5.9 x 10-5 in.)
*Measured on a 4' x 8' x 12.2" (W x L x H) table with isolator transmissibility T<0.01 above 10 Hz, environmental vibrations PSD <10-9 g2/Hz. The 12.2" (310 mm) thick tables are available as a custom order.
Dynamic Deflection Coefficient
The dynamic deflection coefficient is a figure of merit for optical tables that is derived from the measurement of the optical table's compliance. Physically, the dynamic deflection coefficient can be interpreted as a measure of the tables motion when the table is subjected to vibrations.
where Q is the amplification of the tables response to a vibrational source at a specific frequency (f) of the optic table. Q is calculated by dividing the compliance at the optical table resonance frequency by the theoretical compliance of an ideal rigid body. The maximum dynamic deflection coefficient is usually due to the response of the optical table at its first natural resonance frequency. In the Performance, and Ultra series of non-magnetic optical tables, proprietary tuned damping mechanisms are used to limit the value of Q at the tables natural resonances. (Note: The Ultra and UltraPlus series of optical tables have the best tuned damping system.)
Relative Tabletop Motion
The relative tabletop motion is the relative displacement of any two points on the optical table surface due to environmental vibrations transmitted through the optical table supports. The maximum relative tabletop motion is the worst case relative displacement; for a rectangular optical table the two points that produce the worst case results are generally located at the corners of the optical table. The measurement reported in the specifications table was taken in a quite laboratory environment (PSD <10-9 g2/Hz). The optical table supports used to support the optical table had a transmissibility less than 0.01 for frequencies greater than 10 Hz.
Deflection Under Load
The deflection under load is a measure of the stiffness of the optical table. The stiffness of an optical table can be quantified by placing a load at the center of the optical table and measuring the deflection of the optical table surface, which will have a parabolic shape. The specification reported in the table is the relative vertical displacement between the center and edge of the optical table.
Thorlabs' Non-Magnetic Ultra Series of Optical Tables are designed to provide an ultra-stable mounting surface for vibrationally sensitive photonics applications due to the triple plate, double honeycomb design with proprietary broadband and tuned damping systems. A cross section of a Non-Magnetic Ultra series optical table is shown in Figure 1. Each Non-Magnetic Ultra series optical table is constructed with thermally matched (i.e., 5 mm thick magnetic 304L stainless steel with 316L stainless steel available by request) top, bottom, and intermediate plates, aluminum side walls, and two interior high-density honeycomb structure (the main layer is made from aluminum while the upper layer is made from brass cylinders).
Figure 1. Cross section of a Non-Magnetic Performance Series Optical Table
Construction Specifications
Specifications
Value
Table thickness
210 mm (8.3")
Flatness
±0.1 mm (±0.004") Over Any 1 m2
Construction
Triple Plate, Double Honeycomb Core
Top, Bottom, and Intermediate Plates
Matched Materials for Athermalized Design
Top, Bottom, and Intermediate Plate Material
Non-magnetic 304L Stainless Steel, 5 mm (3/16") Thick
Maximum Screw Depth
16 mm (5/8") from Table Surface
Bottom Core Layer Construction
Aluminum, High-density Honeycomb
Top Core Layer Construction
Brass Cylindrical Cups, 0.5" (13 mm) Thick
Damping
Proprietary Broadband and Tuned Damping
Side Construction
Black Aluminum, Slightly Inset From Table Surface
Top Surface Finish
Brushed Steel
Mounting Hole Specifications
Imperial
Metric
Mounting Hole Spacing
1/4"-20 Tapped Holes on 1" Centers
M6 Tapped Holes on 25 mm Centers
Distance from edge to first holes
3.3' Wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.6" Along the Length of the Table 4.1' wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.6" Along the Length of the Table 4.9' wide: 2.0" on Ends and 2.5" Along the Length of the Table
50 mm on all Sides
Thorlabs' optical tables have design features that enhance their usability and longevity. Some of these features can be as important as the optical table's performance specifications (see the Specs tab) when it comes to choosing a table. The table below summarizes some of the construction features found on Thorlabs' optical tables that make a tangible difference in the quality of the finished product.
Optical Table Construction
Category
Feature and Benefit
Top Plate Construction
The top and bottom plates of a non-magnetic optical table are made from sheets of 5 mm thick 304L (316L by request) stainless steel. Thorlabs' constructs its optical tables with matched plates so that the thermal expansion of the top and bottom plates is identical. This prevents the table from bowing or developing internal stresses due to changes in temperature.
An advanced handling and pressurized thermal bonding process ensures that the top surface remains flat and stress free. In other words, the top surface of the table starts out flat and stays flat throughout the entire construction process.
The top surface of the optical table has a brushed surface in order to minimize specular reflections.
Sidewall Construction
The sidewalls of the non-magnetic optical tables is made from aluminum for superior stiffness and structural integrity.
Interior Construction
The pressurized thermal bonding process ensures the structural integrity of the composite table and eliminates the possibility of delamination.
The interior high-density honeycomb core is made from aluminum.
Vibrations transmitted to or created on Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical table are damped via proprietary tuned and broadband dampers. The broadband dampers are specially shaped pieces of inhomogeneous material which act as though they contain a spectrum of masses, separated by a continuous spectrum of distances in an elastomeric polymer. The effect is dramatic; greatly reducing the height of the low frequency resonance compliance peaks, sometimes by more than an order of magnitude.
Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical tables are constructed using an interior 304L stainless steel plate that is identical to the table's top and bottom plates. The third plate increases the stiffness of the optical table.
Mounting Holes
A vinyl film is used to seal the bottom of each mounting hole prior to thermally bonding the table together. This ensures that each hole is completely free from any adhesive material. When using a hole for the first time the vinyl film is easily punctured to allow the screw to be threaded deep into the table.
Prior to bonding the components of the table, each mounting hole in the top surface is tapped and slightly countersunk to ensure that components mounted to the table sit flat. The mounting holes are then cleaned and sealed on the bottom with a vinyl film (see above). As a result, cap screws can be finger tightened into the mounting holes of the finished optical tables.
Performance and Ultra non-magnetic optical tables have brass mounting hole cups that isolate each hole from the interior volume of the table, which makes cleaning up spills and recovering any small pieces that fall into the mounting holes easier.
Unpacked Imperial Table Weight
Unpacked Metric Table Mass
Item #
Dimensions (L X W X H)
Weight (lbs)
Mass (kg)
NTR11109
8' x 4.1' x 8.3"
917
417
NTR11114
10' x 4.9' x 8.3"
1349
613
Item #
Dimensions (mm) (L X W X H)
Mass (kg)
Weight (lbs)
NTR51509
2500 mm x 1250 mm x 210 mm
426
937
NTR51514
3000 mm x 1500 mm x 210 mm
608
1338
The table below can be used as a guide for selecting the proper table model. After selecting the model, only a few choices remain. Each optical table model is available in a range of sizes, both imperial and metric, to meet many application needs. The sizes range from 1 m x 2 m (3.3' x 6') to 1.5 m x 4.25 m (5' x 14'). In addition, custom sizes, joined configurations, laser ports, mounting for accessory shelves, black finish, double density hole grids, custom cutouts, and custom hole patterns are easily accommodated. We can also provide special heights for any of our optical table supports. Ask a Thorlabs application engineer about custom options.
Non-Magnetic Optical Table and Non-Magnetic Optical Table Isolator Selection Guide
Quite Environment1 (PSD < 10-10 g2/Hz)
Typical Laboratory Environment2 (PSD ~10-8 to 10-9 g2/Hz)
1 The lab floor consists of a subterranean slab in a remote environment. 2 The lab is in the basement or ground floor of building. 3 The lab is on the upper floors of a building or near significant sources of vibrations. * 12.2" (310 mm) thick optical tables in all three series are available as custom orders.
Thorlabs makes non-magnetic optical tables that are 8.3" thick (12.2" thick by request); the thickness of the optical table is highly correlated with the Stiffness of the optical table. The Standard, Performance, and Ultra series of optical tables are very stiff due to the non-magnetic 304L stainless steel top and bottom plates in addition to the high-density honeycomb core and sidewalls made from aluminum. Stiffness can be quantified by considering the deflection of the optical table when subjected to a load. For example, when a 113 kg load is placed on the center of a PTM11109 (a 4' x 8' high stiffness, standard damping, tabletop, 8.3" thick), the table will bend by 4.1 µm (i.e., the tabletop will have a parabolic shape with the center being 4.1µm lower then the edges). A PTM12109 (a 4' x 8' enhanced stiffness, standard damping, tabletop, 12.2" thick) in the same example would deflect by only 1.8 µm.
Damping refers to the tabletop's ability to cause an oscillation to decay rapidly to zero when vibration (typically from instrumentation or acoustic noise) is introduced on the tabletop. Thorlabs offers three levels of damping: high (Standard), enhanced (Performance), and maximum (Ultra). They dynamic deflection coefficient and relative tabletop motion specifications found in the Specs tab are strongly correlated with damping properties of the optical table.
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NTM11109
- Imperial, Non-Mag. Standard Series Optical Table, 8' x 4.1' x 8.3"
