Kinematic Mounting Adapters
![](https://www.thorlabs.com/Images/GuideImages/13970_KinematicAdapters_3.jpg)
- Adapters for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, Ø12 mm, Ø1/2", Ø15 mm, or Ø1" Optics
- Unthreaded or SM-Threaded External Surface
- Smooth Internal Bore with Setscrew or Internally SM Threaded
KAD1F
SM1.5 External Thread,
SM1 Internal Thread
KAD05F
SM1 External Thread,
SM05 Internal Thread
The KAD1F kinematic adapter can be used to secure a Ø1" optic in the internal SM1.5 threads of an LCP10(/M) cage plate.
KAD8F
SM1 External Thread,
Ø8 mm Bore
KAD8NT
1" Outer Diameter,
Ø8 mm Bore
KAD15NT
1.5" Outer Diameter,
Ø15 mm Bore
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Features
- Integrate Cylindrical Components or Optics into Lens Tubes, Cage Systems, or Optical Mounts
- Options with Smoother Outer Circumference or External SM Threads
- 1" Outer Diameter for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components
- Externally SM1 Threaded for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components or Ø1/2" Optics
- 1.5" Outer Diameter for Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components
- Externally SM1.5 Threaded for Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components or Ø1" Optics
These kinematic adapters are designed to facilitate the integration of cylindrical components or optics into free-space optical setups (or vice versa). Unlike our fixed optic mounts, these kinematic mounting adapters provide pitch and yaw adjustment using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key, allowing components to be steered by the mount. Kinematic collimator adapters for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm components are offered with a 1" outer diameter or external SM1 (1.035"-40) threads; adapters for Ø15 mm cylindrical components are available with a 1.5" outer diameter or external SM1.5 (1.535"-40) threads. We also offer an externally SM1-threaded adapter with internal SM05 (0.535"-40) threads for mounting Ø1/2" optics (Item # KAD05F) and an externally SM1.5-threaded adapter with internal SM1 threads for mounting Ø1" optics (Item # KAD1F). Each adapter is designed so that the optical axis of the collimator or optic will be centered with respect to the outer diameter of the adapter.
Thorlabs also offers a wide variety of Kinematic Mounts, including our post-mountable Mini-Series Kinematic Mount for Ø11 mm Components with ±4° of angular adjustment.
Posted Comments: | |
Marcos Cejuela
 (posted 2022-01-11 07:24:15.54) To whom it may concern,
Regarding the item KAD1F, we consider it is really useful although we wonder if it is possible to increment internal diameter to 30 mm. We imagine all the products are commercial and in catalogue... Do you manufacture ad-hoc items for R&D activities?
Thank you
Marcos jgreschler
 (posted 2022-01-19 11:20:33.0) Thank you for reaching out to Thorlabs. Custom items can be requested by contacting our Solutions team at techsales@thorlabs.com. I have reached out to you directly to discuss this application. |
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Unthreaded Kinematic Adapters Usage
![KAD11NT](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Mounting_Adapter_A1-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
CPS405 Laser Diode Module Held in a KAD11NT Adapter and Mounted into an FMP1 Fixed Optical Mount
![KAD12NT](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Mounting_Adapter_A3-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
TC06FC-543 Triplet Collimator Held in a KAD12NT Adapter and Mounted into an FMP1 Fixed Optical Mount
- Compatible with Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~24 mrad/rev
- Smooth 1" Outer Diameter
These unthreaded, Ø1" kinematic adapters are designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±6° for Ø8 mm or Ø11 mm cylindrical components, or ±5° for Ø12 mm cylindrical components. They can be used to adapt many of our fixed fiber collimators, laser diode modules, triplet collimators, and other components to our selection of smooth bore mounts for Ø1" optics, such as the FMP1 fixed optic mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in these adapters, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage to the mounted component.
Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diameter | Length | |||||
KAD8NT | Laser Diode Modules | 8 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±6° | ~24 mrad/rev | 0.78" (19.7 mm) |
KAD11NT | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and Laser Diode Modules |
11 mm | ||||
KAD12NT | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators, TC12 and TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC and FC/APC) |
12 mm | ±5° |
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SM1-Threaded Kinematic Adapters Usage
![KAD11F](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Mounting_Adapter_A2-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge F671APC-405 Fiber Collimator Held in a KAD11F Adapter and Mounted into an SM1L10 Lens Tube
![KAD11F](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Collimator_Mount_LM1XY_A3-150.jpg)
Click for Details F671APC-405 Fiber Collimator Held in a KAD11F Adapter Inside an LM1XY Translation Mount
- Kinematic Adapters for Ø8 mm, Ø11 mm, or Ø12 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~24 mrad/rev
- Externally SM1 Threaded (1.035"-40)
These externally SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) kinematic adapters are designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±6° for Ø8 mm or Ø11 mm cylindrical components, or ±5° for Ø12 mm cylindrical components. This adjustment range can be restricted by the available space inside a SM1-threaded lens tube when used with a long component. Compatible components include many of our fixed collimators, laser diode modules, and triplet collimators.
These adapters are particularly useful when combined with our Ø1" lens tubes, 30 mm cage plates, or LM1XY(/M) translation mount. A Ø1.25" SM1NT locking ring is included with the adapter to ensure stable mounting. To mount the adapter inside a lens tube or other component, first thread it into the desired position and axis orientation, and then tighten the locking ring against the end of the lens tube or mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in these adapters, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage.
Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diameter | Length | |||||
KAD8F | Laser Diode Modules | 8 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±6° | ~24 mrad/rev | 0.78" (19.7 mm) |
KAD11F | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators and Laser Diode Modules |
11 mm | ||||
KAD12F | FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 Fixed Collimators, TC12 and TC18 Triplet Collimators (FC/PC and FC/APC) |
12 mm | ±5° |
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- Kinematic Adapter for Ø1/2" Optics
- ±4° Pitch/Yaw Adjustment
- Resolution of ~22 mrad/rev
- Externally SM1 Threaded (1.035"-40)
- Internally SM05 Threaded (0.535"-40)
This externally SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) kinematic adapter is designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±4° for Ø1/2" optics or SM05-threaded components. Note that unlike the kinematic collimator adapters above, the KAD05F adapter is designed to work with components that are fully contained within the internally SM05-threaded section of the mount. To mount an optic in the KAD05F, remove the SM05RR retaining ring via the back of the adapter, and insert the optic. The optic can be secured in place by reinserting the retaining ring.
This adapter is particularly useful when combined with our Ø1" lens tubes or 30 mm cage plates. An SM1NT externally SM1-threaded, Ø1.25" locking ring is included with the adapter to ensure stable mounting. To mount the adapter inside a lens tube or other component, first thread it into the desired position and axis orientation, and then tighten the locking ring against the end of the lens tube or mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 or SPW909 spanner wrenches.
Item # | Internal Threads | Compatible Optic Diameter |
Max Optic Thicknessa |
Clear Aperture |
Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | External Threads |
Locking Ring |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KAD05F | SM05 (0.535"-40), 0.28" (7.1 mm) Deep |
1/2" | 0.21" (5.0 mm) |
Ø0.44" (Ø11.0 mm) |
±4° | ~22 mrad/rev | SM1 (1.035"-40), 0.55" (14.0 mm) Long |
SM1NT 0.11" (2.8 mm) Thick |
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![KAD12NT](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Mounting_Adapter_A5-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
TC18APC-780 Triplet Collimator Held in a KAD15NT Adapter and Mounted into an FMP1.5 Fixed Optical Mount
- Compatible with Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~14 mrad/rev
- Smooth 1.50" Outer Diameter
This unthreaded, Ø1.50" kinematic adapter is designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±5° for Ø15 mm cylindrical components. It can be used to adapt many of our doublet collimators, collimation tubes, TC18 triplet collimators, and other components to our selection of smooth bore mounts for Ø1.5" optics, such as the FMP1.5 fixed optic mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in these adapters, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage to the mounted component.
Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diameter | Length | |||||
KAD15NT | F810 Doublet Collimators, LT Collimation Tubes, and TC18 Triplet Collimators | 15 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±5° | ~14 mrad/rev | 0.83" (21.1 mm) |
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![KAD11F](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Mounting_Adapter_A4-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge A F810APC-780 fiber collimator held in a KAD15F adapter which has been mounted into an SM1.5L10 lens tube and affixed to an LMR1.5 lens mount.
- Kinematic Adapters for Ø15 mm Cylindrical Components
- Resolution of ~14 mrad/rev
- Externally SM1.5 (1.535"-40) Threaded
This externally SM1.5-threaded (1.535"-40) kinematic adapter is designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±5° for Ø15 mm cylindrical components. Note that this adjustment range may be restricted if a long component is mounted in the kinematic adapter and the adapter is secured in an SM1.5-threaded lens tube. Compatible components include many of our doublet collimators, collimation tubes, and TC18 triplet collimators.
This adapter is particularly useful when combined with our Ø1.5" lens tubes or LCP10(/M) 60 mm cage plate. An SM1.5NT1 SM1.5 locking ring is included with the adapter to ensure stable mounting. To mount the adapter inside a lens tube or other component, first thread it into the desired position and axis orientation, and then tighten the locking ring against the end of the lens tube or mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrench. Mounted components are held by a brass locking setscrew, which also requires a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. Please use care when mounting components in this adapter, as overtightening of the setscrew can cause damage.
Item # | Intended for Use With: | Compatible Component Size | Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diameter | Length | |||||
KAD15F | F810 Doublet Collimators, LT Collimation Tubes, and TC18 Triplet Collimators | 15 mm | ≥0.19" (4.8 mm) |
±5° | ~14 mrad/rev | 0.83" (21.1 mm) |
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![KAD1F](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Adapter-Mount_A2-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
The KAD1F kinematic adapter can be used to secure a Ø1" optic in the internal SM1.5 threads of an LCP10(/M) cage plate.
![KAD1F](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Kinematic_Adapter-Mount_A3-150.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
The KAD1F kinematic adapter can be used to secure a Ø1" optic in the internal SM1.5 threads of an LMR1.5(/M) lens mount.
- Kinematic Adapter for Ø1" Optics
- ±4° Pitch/Yaw Adjustment
- Resolution of ~37 mrad/rev
- Externally SM1.5 Threaded (1.535"-40)
- Internally SM1 Threaded (1.035"-40)
This externally SM1.5-threaded (1.535"-40) kinematic adapter is designed to provide pitch/yaw adjustments of ±4° for Ø1" optics or SM1-threaded components. Note that unlike the kinematic collimator adapters above, the KAD1F adapter is designed to work with components that are fully contained within the internally SM1-threaded section of the mount. To mount an optic in the KAD1F, remove the SM1RR retaining ring via the back of the adapter, and insert the optic. The optic can be secured in place by reinserting the retaining ring.
This adapter is particularly useful when combined with our Ø1.5" lens tubes or 60 mm cage plates. An SM1.5NT internally SM1.5-threaded, Ø1.75" locking ring is included with the adapter to ensure stable mounting. To mount the adapter inside a lens tube or other component, first thread it into the desired position and axis orientation, and then tighten the locking ring against the end of the lens tube or mount.
Two 80 TPI fine adjustment screws on the front plate of the adapter control the pitch and yaw position and can be turned using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The front plate of the adapter also features engraved axes that are aligned with the pitch and yaw axes, and two holes for use with our SPW801 spanner wrenches.
Item # | Internal Threads |
Compatible Optic Diameter |
Max Optic Thicknessa |
Clear Aperture |
Pitch/Yaw Adjustment |
Resolution | External Threads |
Locking Ring |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KAD1F | SM1 (1.035"-40), 0.36" (9.1 mm) Deep |
1" | 0.28" (7.1 mm) |
Ø0.90" (Ø22.9 mm) |
±4° | ~37 mrad/rev | SM1.5 (1.535"-40), 0.78" (19.8 mm) Long |
SM1.5NT 0.11" (2.8 mm) Thick |