Kinematic Mounts for 16 mm Cage Systems


  • Compatible with 16 mm Cage Systems
  • Mount 1/2" Circular or Elliptical Optics
  • Post Mountable

KC05-T

KCB05E

KCB05

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KCB05C

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Features

  • Kinematic Mounts for Ø1/2" Round or Elliptical Optics
  • Compatible with 16 mm Cage System
  • Mount Optics Normal to or at 45° to the Optical Axis
  • Post Mountable

The KC05-T 16 mm Cage System Compatible, Kinematic Mirror Mount is designed for Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) mirrors. This three adjuster mount provides ±2.5° of tip/tilt adjustment. By adjusting all three adjusters at once, the mirror can also be translated along the cage's axis. The SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) mounting hole accepts thin mirrors up to 0.15" (3.8 mm) thick.

The KCB05(/M) and KCB05C(/M) Right-Angle Mounts accept Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) round mirrors, and the KCB05E(/M) Right-Angle Mount accepts 1/2" elliptical mirrors. Both the entrance and exit ports have 4-40 threaded holes or Ø4 mm bores for SR cage rods to support 16 mm cage system integration, as well as SM05 internal threads for compatibility with Ø1/2" lens tubes. Each mount has three M3 x 0.25 adjusters for precise tip and tilt adjustment of the optic, useful for compensating beam path deviation in a 16 mm cage system.

Cage System Compatibility: Thorlabs offers 16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm cage systems designed for Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optical components, respectively. The parts on this page are compatible with our 16 mm cage system and utilize Ø4 mm SR cage rods.

Cage System Overview

The Cage Assembly System provides a convenient way to construct large optomechanical systems with an established line of precision-machined building blocks designed for high flexibility and accurate alignment.

16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm Cage System Standards

Thorlabs offers three standards defined by the center-to-center spacing of the cage assembly rods (see image below). The 16 mm cage, 30 mm cage, and 60 mm cage standards are designed to accommodate Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" optics, respectively. Specialized cage plates that allow smaller optics to be directly inserted into our larger cage systems are also available.

Standard Threads

The flexibility of our Cage Assembly System stems from well-defined mounting and thread standards designed to directly interface with a wide range of specialized products. The three most prevalent thread standards are our SM05 Series (0.535"-40 thread), SM1 Series (1.035"-40 thread), and SM2 Series (2.035"-40 thread), all of which were defined to house the industry's most common optic sizes. Essential building blocks, such as our popular lens tubes, directly interface to these standards.


An example of the standard cage plate measurements determining cage system compatibility.
Standard Cage System Measurements
Cage System 16 mm 30 mm 60 mm
Thread Series SM05 SM1 SM2
Rod to Rod Spacing 16 mm (0.63") 30 mm (1.18") 60 mm (2.36")
Total Length 25 mm (0.98") 41 mm (1.60") 71.1 mm (2.80")
Cage Components
Cage Rods 16 mm These rods are used to connect cage plates, optic mounts, and other components in the cage system. The SR Series Cage Rods are compatible with our 16 mm cage systems, while the 30 mm and 60 mm cage systems use ER Series Cage Rods.
30 mm
60 mm
Cage Plates 16 mm These serve as the basic building blocks for a cage system. They may have SM-threaded central bores, smooth bores sized for industry standard optics or to accommodate the outer profile of our SM Series Lens Tubes, or specialized bores for other components such as our FiberPorts.
30 mm
60 mm
Optic Mounts 16 mm Thorlabs offers fixed, kinematic, rotation, and translation mounts specifically designed for our Cage Systems.
30 mm
60 mm
Cage Cubes 16 mm These cubes are useful for housing larger optical components, such as prisms or mirrors, or optics that need to sit at an angle to the beam path, such as beamsplitters. Our cage cubes are available empty or with pre-mounted optics.
30 mm
60 mm
Replacement Setscrews Replacement setscrews are offered for our 16 mm (SS4B013, SS4B025, and SS4B038) and 30 mm (SS4MS5 and SS4MS4) cage systems products.
Post and Breadboard Mounts and Adapters Mounting options for cage systems can be found on our Cage System Construction pages. Cage Systems can be mounted either parallel or perpendicular to the table surface.
Size Adapters Cage System Size Adapters can be used to integrate components from different cage system and threading standards.
Specialized Components Thorlabs also produces specialized cage components, such as Filter Wheels, a HeNe Laser Mount, and a FiberPort Cage Plate Adapter, allowing a wide range of our products to be integrated into cage-mounted optical systems. Explore our Cage Systems Visual Navigation Guide to see the full range of Thorlabs' cage components.

Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2024-01-31 11:00:49.207)
Dear tech support, what is the distance between the center of the reflecting surface and the front surface of the KCB05C/M mount ? It is not clear to me in the CAD pdf file. Same question for its 1" optics version. Thank your for your help.
jdelia  (posted 2024-02-05 04:30:57.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I reached out to you directly to clarify that the measurement you are seeking is the distance from the back of the mounted mirror to the face of one of the other two sides of the mount, in the center of the SM- threaded aperture. For KCB05C, this distance would be 17.32 mm. For KCB1C, it would be 23.87 mm.
daniel SILVEYRA  (posted 2021-05-26 07:50:02.933)
I require support for selecting a mirror for Laser etching aplication.
cdolbashian  (posted 2021-06-01 11:33:30.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us at ThorLabs! I have contacted you directly to work out the details of your inquiry.
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16 mm Cage Kinematic Mount

Front Panel
Click to Enlarge
KC05-T mounted in a 16 mm cage system using four SR cage rods.
  • Mounts Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Optics
  • Provides ±2.5° Kinematic Tip and Tilt Adjustment
  • SM05 (0.535"-40) Threaded Mounting Bore for Thin Optics
  • 16 mm Cage Compatible
  • Post Mountable: Two #8-32 (M4) Tapped Holes

The KC05-T Kinematic Mount is designed for our 16 mm cage systems. Four SR series cage rods can be passed through the mount and locked into place using setscrews. Each kinematic mount features three 3/16"-100 fine adjustment screws, offering an adjustment per revolution of 9 mrad/rev. The adjusters have a 5/64" hex socket for adjustment, and one 5/64" hex key is included with each mount. The KC05-T(/M) is SM05-threaded, which allows it to hold thin optics and can hold optics up to 0.15" (3.8 mm) thick. The KC05-T Kinematic Mount includes two SM05RR Retaining Rings to secure optics within the mount. If replacement setscrews are needed, we offer the 1/8" long SS4B013 and the 1/4" long SS4B025 brass setscrews, which both use a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
KC05-T Support Documentation
KC05-TSM05 Threaded Kinematic Cage Mount, Ø1/2" Optics
$104.53
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
KC05-T/M Support Documentation
KC05-T/MSM05 Threaded Kinematic Cage Mount, Ø1/2" Optics, Metric
$104.53
3-5 Days
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16 mm Cage Right-Angle Kinematic Mirror Mount with Tapped Cage Rod Holes

  • Eight 4-40 Tapped Holes to Mate with 16 mm Cage Systems
  • Mounts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics at a 45° Angle to the Optical Axis
  • Provides ±4º Kinematic Tip and Tilt Adjustment
  • Compatible with SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Lens Tubes
  • Post Mountable:

The KCB05(/M) Mirror Mount provides provides ±4° of kinematic tip and tilt adjustment for a Ø1/2" optic positioned at a mean angle of 45° to the optical axis. Entrance and exit ports are equipped with an SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) hole. The KCB05(/M) has eight 4-40 tapped holes spaced for compatibility with our 16 mm cage systems. SRSCA SR Rod Adapters are necessary to effectively connect, adjust, and lock two of these right angle cage mounts together within the cage system. The kinematic tip and tilt adjustment plate on these cubes is actuated with M3 x 0.25 adjustment screws that allow for smooth, high-resolution movement of 0.25 mm (0.01") per turn. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver.

A nylon-tipped setscrew is used to secure Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) optics using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver in the mount's rear-loading, double-bored hole. The rear loading design does not limit the thickness of the mounted optic and the mounted optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. The minimum thickness for optics that can be secured by these mounts is 0.12" (3 mm).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
KCB05 Support Documentation
KCB05Right-Angle Kinematic Mirror Mount with Tapped Cage Rod Holes, 16 mm Cage System and SM05 Compatible, 4-40 and 8-32 Mounting Holes
$180.52
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
KCB05/M Support Documentation
KCB05/MRight-Angle Kinematic Mirror Mount with Tapped Cage Rod Holes, 16 mm Cage System and SM05 Compatible, M3 and M4 Mounting Holes
$180.52
3-5 Days
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16 mm Cage Right-Angle Kinematic Mirror Mount with Smooth Cage Rod Bores

  • Eight Ø0.16" (Ø4.0 mm), 0.20" (5.0 mm) Deep Bores to Mate with 16 mm Cage Systems
  • Mounts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics at a 45° Angle to the Optical Axis
  • Provides ±4º Kinematic Tip and Tilt Adjustment
  • Compatible with SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Lens Tubes
  • Post Mountable:

The KCB05C(/M) Mirror Mount provides ±4° of kinematic tip and tilt adjustment for a Ø1/2" optic positioned at a mean angle of 45° to the optical axis. Entrance and exit ports are equipped with an SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) hole. Eight 0.20" (5.0 mm) deep bores, spaced for compatibility with our 16 mm Cage System, accept SR Cage Rods, which can be locked in place using the included 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex setscrews. This design allows multiple 16 mm cage components to be directly interfaced without the need for SRSCA SR Rod Adapters. The kinematic tip and tilt adjustment plate on these cubes is actuated with M3 x 0.25 adjustment screws that allow for smooth, high-resolution movement of 0.25 mm (0.01") per turn. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 1.5 mm hex key or balldriver.

A 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex, nylon-tipped setscrew is used to secure Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) optics in the mount's rear-loading, double-bored hole. Two clearance cuts, positioned on opposite sides of the optic bore, maximize the clear aperture for transmitted light and provide easy access to mounted optics. Due to the rear-loading design, the mounted optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. The mount accepts optics ≥0.12" (3 mm) thick.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
KCB05C Support Documentation
KCB05CCustomer Inspired! Right-Angle Kinematic Mirror Mount with Smooth Cage Rod Bores, 16 mm Cage System and SM05 Compatible, 4-40 and 8-32 Mounting Holes
$180.52
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
KCB05C/M Support Documentation
KCB05C/MCustomer Inspired! Right-Angle Kinematic Mirror Mount with Smooth Cage Rod Bores, 16 mm Cage System and SM05 Compatible, M3 and M4 Mounting Holes
$180.52
3-5 Days
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16 mm Cage Right-Angle Kinematic Elliptical Mirror Mount with Tapped Cage Rod Holes

Elliptical Mirror Mount
Click to Enlarge
KCB05E Elliptical Mount with SR Cage Rods and an SM05 Lens Tube
  • Eight 4-40 Tapped Holes to Mate with 16 mm Cage Systems
  • Mounts 1/2" (12.7 mm) Elliptical Optics at a 45° Angle to the Optical Axis
  • Provides ±3º Kinematic Pitch and Yaw Adjustment
  • Z-Axis Translation Using All Three Adjusters: ±0.04" (±1.0 mm)
  • Compatible with SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Lens Tubes
  • Post Mountable:

The KCB05E(/M) Elliptical Mirror Mount provides ±4° of kinematic pitch and yaw adjustment for a 1/2" elliptical optic positioned at a mean angle of 45° to the optical axis. The ports are equipped with SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) bores and four 4-40 tapped holes center-to-center spaced for compatibility with our 16 mm cage systems. The kinematic pitch and yaw adjustment plate is actuated with M3 x 0.25 threaded adjustment screws that provide angular resolution of 12.94 mrad/rev. Two of these adjusters include removable knobs, while the third must be tuned with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver. While the optic face is nominally centered within the mount, the third adjuster can be used for fine tuning the position along the optical axis.

A nylon-tipped adjustment screw and a nylon-coated spring clip are used to secure 1/2" (12.7 mm) elliptical optics using a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver via the mount's rear-loading, double-bored hole. The rear loading design does not limit the thickness of the mounted optic and the mounted optic remains accessible even after the mount is fitted with cage rods or lens tubes. We offer dielectric and metallic elliptical mirrors, which are compatible with this mount. The minimum thickness for optics that can be secured by these mounts is 0.12" (3 mm).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
KCB05E Support Documentation
KCB05ERight-Angle Kinematic Elliptical Mirror Mount, 16 mm Cage System and SM05 Lens Tube Compatible, 4-40 and 8-32 Mounting Holes
$262.04
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
KCB05E/M Support Documentation
KCB05E/MRight-Angle Kinematic Elliptical Mirror Mount, 16 mm Cage System and SM05 Lens Tube Compatible, M3 and M4 Mounting Holes
$262.04
3-5 Days