Passive TO Can Laser Diode Mounts
- Fixed Mounts for TO-18, TO-38, TO-46, Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, TO-3, and TO-5 Laser Diodes
- Post, Cage System, and Lens Tube Mounting Options
- Compact Passive Design
LMF9
Ø9 mm Laser
Diode Mount
S1LDM9
SM1-Threaded Aluminum Mount
for Ø9 mm Laser Diodes
S05PLM56
SM05-Threaded Delrin® Mount
for Ø5.6 mm Laser Diodes
CP1LD56
30 mm Cage Plate
for Ø5.6 mm Laser Diodes
Ø9 mm Laser Diode
Mounted in a KM100T
Kinematic Mount
Using an S1LDM9 Adapter
Application Idea
Please Wait
Click to Enlarge
A TO-18 diode is shown mounted in an LMF18 laser diode mount. Unlike the LMF56, which mounts
Ø5.6 mm diode packages, the LMF18 features a cutout for the tab on TO-18 diode packages.
Click to Enlarge A collimated 30 mm-cage-mounted laser diode is shown mounted within a 60 mm cage system, allowing for rotation of the polarization axis. See the Application tab above for details.
Thorlabs offers post-mountable, SM-threaded, and cage-compatible passive mounts for TO can laser diodes. Passive mounts are also available for fiber-pigtailed laser diodes, as well as unmounted light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Ø1/2" post-mountable passive mounts are compatible with TO-18, TO-38, TO-46, Ø5.6 mm, or Ø9 mm laser diode packages. We also offer post mounts with threads for strain relief cables. SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) and SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) mounts are available in aluminum or non-conductive Delrin®* versions for laser diodes in Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, TO-38, TO-46, and TO-5 packages. The external threading on SM-threaded mounts allows them to be used in a wide variety of SM05- or SM1-compatible optomechanics, including our Kinematic Mounts, Lens Tubes, XY Translation Mounts, 16 mm Cage Plates (SM05 compatible), and 30 mm Cage Plates (SM1 compatible). 30 mm Cage System-compatible and post-mountable cage plate mounts are also available for mounting Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, and TO-3 laser diodes.
Laser Diode Temperature Warning
Please note that these diode mounts do not have any temperature regulation or temperature measurement capability, which only makes them suitable for diodes that do not require active cooling. For our selection of temperature-controlled mounts, please click here. Running a laser diode at a high operating temperature can significantly shorten its lifetime.
*Delrin® is a registered trademark of DuPont Polymers, Inc.
Passive Mounts for TO Can Diodes | |
---|---|
Compatible Packages | |
Laser Diode Mounts | Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, TO-18, TO-38, TO-46, TO-3, TO-5 |
LED Mounts | T1-3/4, TO-18, TO-18R, TO-39, TO-46 |
Laser Diode Accessory Selection Guide | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temperature Controlled Mounts |
Passive Mounts | Passive Mounts with Collimation Package |
Strain Relief Cables | Diode Sockets | Controllers |
LCRM2A - Creating a Rotating 30 mm Cage Assembly Within a 60 mm Cage System
Thorlabs' versatile cage system can be used to create complex optical systems with elements that are aligned along a common optical axis. The cage system is available in three different sizes (16 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm rod spacings), with a wide selection of accessories available as well as cage size adapters that allow for interoperability of different cage sizes. Smaller cage assemblies may be mounted within larger ones where clearances allow, as in the Application Idea above.
Design & Construction
In the Application Idea above, a 30 mm cage assembly is mounted on a CP38T SM2-Threaded Round Cage Plate, which is threaded into an LCRM2A 60 mm Cage Rotation Mount (available below). The 30 mm cage assembly consists of a TO-can laser diode and collimation optics. Rotating the laser diode in conjunction with its collimation optics allows the polarization axis of the TO can laser diode to be rotated while maintaining a collimated, approximately Gaussian beam.
The Ø9 mm TO can laser diode is mounted in an LDH9-P2 30 mm Cage Collimation Mount and SR9 ESD Protection/Strain Relief Cable. The collimated elliptical output of the laser diode is corrected for using cylindrical lenses mounted in CYCPA Cylindrical Lens Mounts. ER1.5 Cage Assembly Rods must be substituted for the ER2 rods that are included with each CYCPA mount. This provides the necessary clearance for the 30 mm cage assembly to rotate unobstructed within the 60 mm cage assembly.
Click to Enlarge
Rotating 30 mm Cage Assembly Within 60 mm Cage System
60 mm Cage System Components | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
# | Product Description | Item # | Item Qty. | |
1 | 60 mm Cage Rotation Mount for Ø2" Optics | LCRM2A | 1 | |
2 | SM2-Threaded Round 30 mm Cage Plate | CP38T | 1 | |
3 | 60 mm Threaded Cage Plate | LCP34 | 1 | |
4 | 60 mm Cage Clamp for Ø1.5" Posts | CH1560 | 1 | |
5 | Cage Assembly Rod, 8" Long, 4 Pack | ER8-P4 | 1 | |
6 | Ø1.5" Mounting Post | - | 1 | |
30 mm Cage Assembly Components | ||||
# | Product Description | Item # | Item Qty. | |
7 | Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, or TO3 TO Can Laser Diode | - | 1 | |
8 | ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable | - | 1 | |
9 | 30 mm Cage Plate Laser Diode Collimation Mount a |
For Ø5.6 mm TO Can LD | LDH56-P2 | 1 |
For Ø9 mm TO Can LD | LDH9-P2 | |||
For TO3 Laser Diode | LDH3-P1 | |||
10 | Mounted M9 x 0.5 mm Aspheric Lens | - | 1 | |
11 | 30 mm Cage Mount for Cylindrical Lenses | CYCPA | 2 | |
12 | Plano-Concave Cylindrical Lens | - | 1 | |
13 | Plano-Convex Cylindrical Lens | - | 1 | |
14 | Cage Assembly Rod, 1.5" Long, 4 Pack | ER1.5-P4 | 1 | |
15 | Cage Assembly Rod, 4" Long, 4 Pack | ER4-P4 | 1 |
Posted Comments: | |
Satish Acharya
 (posted 2023-01-20 22:19:07.563) What is the part number of the aluminum retaining ring included in the Delrin mount S1PLM46? Is the ring available to purchase separately in a pack of 5? jdelia
 (posted 2023-01-20 01:45:09.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While we do not offer this retaining ring as a part of our standard catalog, I have reached out you directly to discuss ordering it as a separate component. Ismail Degani
 (posted 2019-08-25 18:18:28.763) I could really use a S05PLDM9 with a slight modification to support TO-5 diodes. (currently there is also S1PLM05 but I need a 1/2" tube compatible mount) YLohia
 (posted 2019-08-26 11:54:55.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Perhaps the SM1A1 can be used to adapt the SM1 threads of the S1PLM05 to the SM05 threads of your system? I have reached out to you directly to discuss this. Greg
 (posted 2016-10-28 20:06:05.247) I don't understand the difference between the TO-18 and 5.6mm mounts, LMF18 and LMF56, on this page. Google "TO-18 laser diode," and you'll see the name is used interchangeably with 5.6mm. Your spec sheet for L650P007 calls it a "5.6mm, TO-18 discreet laser diode." My understanding was also that they were the same. Please clarify what the difference is? What is a laser diode you would use with each? Thanks, Greg tfrisch
 (posted 2016-11-01 01:56:49.0) Hi Greg, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The biggest difference between these body types is a tab on the TO-18. Other than that, they are very similar and can often be interchanged. cfespie
 (posted 2014-12-30 08:58:35.807) The s05LM556 is potentially electrically conductive. Once a laser diode is place inside this part, it could short out to your entire assembly. It would be better to include ceramic, ABS, nylon, or Delrin interfaces to lasers (like PAL5-A) to ensure electrical isolation. cdaly
 (posted 2014-12-31 09:38:50.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: If the S05LM56 is mounted into a standard fixed mount such as the LMR05(/M), it can be electrically isolated using the TRE(/M) post adapters. steve
 (posted 2013-06-04 00:04:23.55) Please also have an adaptor for TO-8 case (for a specific bare photodiode I need to use).
Thanks. cdaly
 (posted 2013-06-10 10:37:00.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. I have begun an internal discussion about your idea and this may be released in the future. We appreciate your suggestion. jlow
 (posted 2012-09-27 13:57:00.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you very much for your feedback. I have posted this feedback into our internal forum and we will look into the possibility of offering this. iain
 (posted 2012-09-18 07:46:00.0) The S1LEDM mount works very nicely with LEDs or photodiodes in a TO-18 package. Would you consider making a similar mount for devices in a TO-5 package? I ask because I need to mount a TO-5-packaged photodiode (Hamamatsu G8370-02). Cheers, Iain. jjurado
 (posted 2011-05-11 11:08:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to Mario Stipcevic: Thank you very much for contacting us with your request. I will contact you directly to get the dimensions and other specifications of your LED. stipcevi
 (posted 2011-05-11 03:38:50.0) Hi !
I would like to:
1. Mount 5mm LED in standard plastic case into SM05 lens tube, how do i do it ?
2. I would like to pigtail 5mm plastoc LED to a fiber with a verz mow coupling efficienncy (no lens required). how do I do it ?
Thank you !
Best regards,
Mario Stipcevic |
Click to Enlarge
LM9F Includes an Adapter for Ø5.6 mm Diode Packages
- Versions for TO-18, TO-38, TO-46, Ø5.6 mm, or Ø9 mm Diode Packages
- Flexure Clamp Secures Diode in Place
- Compact Design Takes up Minimal Space in the Lab
- Post-Mountable via 8-32 (M4) Tap or #8 (M4) Counterbore
Thorlabs' Post-Mountable Laser Diode Mounts provide a simple solution for quick and easy mounting of a laser diode mounted in a TO-18, TO-38, TO-46, Ø5.6 mm, or Ø9 mm package that does not require temperature control. A top-located 2-56 cap screw with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex actuates a flexure clamp that secures the diode in place. The LM9F Ø9 mm laser diode mount includes an adapter for Ø5.6 mm laser diode packages.
Each diode mount can be attached to a post using a bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tap, with exception to the LM9F which has a #8 (M4) counterbore. Both mounting options allow for a compact profile that takes up minimal space in an experimental setup. The LMF18(/M), LMF38(/M), LMF46(/M), LMF56(/M), and LMF9(/M) also have a Ø0.10" torque hole in the front of the mount. A 5/64" (2 mm) balldriver can be inserted into this hole to provide extra leverage when tightening or loosening the mount.
Additionally, Thorlabs offers temperature-controlled mounts, as well as laser diode current controllers.
- Versions for TO-18, Ø5.6 mm, or Ø9 mm Diode Packages
- Flexure Clamp Secures Diode in Place
- Internal 13/32"-40 Thread Accepts SR9 Strain Relief Cable
- Compact Design Takes up Minimal Space in the Lab
- Post-Mountable via 8-32 (M4) Tap
Thorlabs' Post-Mountable Laser Diode and Strain Relief Mounts provide a simple solution for mounting a laser diode and strain-relief cable. These mounts accommodate diodes in TO-18, Ø5.6 mm, or Ø9 mm packages and do not offer temperature control.
When using this mount, the diode pins should first be clipped for proper attachment to the strain relief cable. The top of the mount is engraved to show the length to which the leads should be clipped, as illustrated in the video to the right. If the diode pins are too long then you will not be able to fully engage the threads of the strain relief cable. Then, depending on the mount, the laser diode must be inserted from the rear [LMF18R(/M)] or front [LMF56R(/M) and LMF9R(/M)]. Once the diode reaches the mechanical stop, tighten the cap screw [5/64" (2 mm) hex] that secures the diode in place. Finally, align the strain relief socket, insert the pins, then screw the strain relief cable's boot onto the back of the mount.
Each diode mount can be attached to a post using a bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tap. This allows for a compact profile that takes up minimal space in an experimental setup. The LMF18R(/M),
Additionally, Thorlabs offers temperature-controlled mounts, as well as laser diode current controllers.
SM-Threaded Laser Diode Mount Compatibility | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Item # | Laser Diode Package |
External Mounting Threads |
Compatible Spanner Wrenches |
|
Mount | Laser Diode Retaining Ring |
|||
S05LM38 | TO-38 | SM05 (0.535"-40) |
SPW801 | SPW801 |
S05LM46 | TO-46 | |||
S05LM56 | Ø5.6 mm | |||
S05LDM9 | Ø9 mm | |||
S1LM38 | TO-38 | SM1 (1.035"-40) |
SPW909 SPW801 |
|
S1LM46 | TO-46 | |||
S1LM56 | Ø5.6 mm | |||
S1LDM9 | Ø9 mm | |||
S1LM05 | TO-5 |
Thorlabs offers SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) and SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) black-anodized aluminum lens tube mounts to accommodate laser diodes in TO-38, TO-46, Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, and TO-5 packages. These laser diode mounts are designed such that the laser diode is aligned to the optical axis of the lens tube, enabling easy assembly of lens-tube-based setups.
The laser diode can be directly inserted into the mount and held in place with the included retaining ring (see the table to the right for details). Our SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can be used to secure the laser diode into any of these mounts. Alternatively, the table to the right also lists the compatible fixed spanner wrench for each mount, if available.
Each laser diode mount, other than the S1LM05, is equipped with internal 13/32"-40 threads that allow our ESD protection and strain relief cables to be attached. Instead of 13/32"-40 threads, the S1LM05 has internal SM05 threads.
To operate and control the mounted laser diodes, please see our line of laser diode current controllers. If your application requires mounting a temperature-controlled laser diode into a lens tube setup, please see our lens-tube-compatible temperature-controlled laser diode mounts.
SM-Threaded Laser Diode Mount Compatibility | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Item # | Laser Diode Package |
External Mounting Threads |
Compatible Spanner Wrenches |
|
Mount | Laser Diode Retaining Ring |
|||
S05PLM38 | TO-38 | SM05 (0.535"-40) |
SPW801 | SPW801 |
S05PLM46 | TO-46 | |||
S05PLM56 | Ø5.6 mm | |||
S05PLDM9 | Ø9 mm | |||
S1PLM38 | TO-38 | SM1 (1.035"-40) |
SPW909 SPW801 |
|
S1PLM46 | TO-46 | |||
S1PLM56 | Ø5.6 mm | |||
S1PLDM9 | Ø9 mm | |||
S1PLM05 | TO-5 |
Thorlabs offers laser diode lens tube mounts fabricated from Delrin for mounting laser diodes in TO-38, TO-46, Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, and TO-5 packages. Mounts are available with either SM05 (0.535"-40) or SM1 (1.035"-40) external threading. The Delrin material provides electrical insulation between the laser diode case and our aluminum lens tubes.
These laser diode mounts are designed such that the laser diode is aligned to the optical axis of the lens tube, enabling easy assembly of lens-tube-based setups. The laser diode can be directly inserted into the mount and held in place with the included black-anodized aluminum retaining ring (see the table to the right for details). The S1PLM05 comes with a Delrin retaining ring instead of the aluminum retaining ring included with the other Delrin mounts.
Our SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can be used to secure the laser diode into any of these mounts. Alternatively, the table to the right also lists the compatible fixed spanner wrench for each mount, if available. The mount and retaining ring should both be at room temperature before adjustment.
Each laser diode mount, other than the S1LM05, is equipped with internal 13/32"-40 threads that allow our ESD protection and strain relief cables to be attached. Instead of 13/32"-40 threads, the S1LM05 has internal SM05 threads.
To operate and control the mounted laser diodes, please see our line of laser diode current controllers. If your application requires mounting a temperature-controlled laser diode into a lens tube setup, please see our lens-tube-compatible temperature-controlled laser diode mounts. Please note that Delrin is an electrically and thermally insulating material. The maximum operating temperature for these mounts is 185 °F (85 °C).
- Cage Plates to Mount Ø5.6 mm TO Can, Ø9 mm TO Can, or TO-3 Laser Diodes
- CP1LD56(/M) and CP1LD9(/M) Have 3/16"-100 Hex Adjusters for Fine Positioning (Item # F19SS075)
- Cage Plate Laser Diode Collimation Kits Also Available
These cage plates provide precision mounting of the laser diode without the use of adapters, which ensures maximum centration for good beam quality and alignment to the cage system. They are fully compatible with our 30 mm cage system and can be mounted on Ø1/2" posts using the bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tapped hole. Four through holes on 30 mm centers accept Ø6 mm cage rods that can be secured by tightening M4 x 0.7 side-located locking setscrews [5/64" (2 mm) hex].
For the Ø5.6 mm and Ø9 mm laser diode cage plates, the distance between the laser diode and an adjacent cage plate can be precisely set using a 3/16"-100 adjuster (5/64" (2.0 mm) hex, Item # F19SS075). The laser diode is secured with a retaining ring that can be tightened using a spanner wrench. The Ø5.6 mm mount is compatible with our SPW801 spanner wrench only, while the Ø9 mm mount is compatible with the SPW301 and SPW801 spanner wrenches. To align the laser chip axis to the cage system, access ports on the front of the mount allow rotation of the laser diode using tweezers prior to fully threading the retaining ring (see photo to the right). After the laser diode is mounted, a strain relief cable can be screwed into the back of the cage plate for electrical connections.
The CP49 cage plate can be mounted directly onto any heat sink that is designed to accept TO-3 laser packages. Two #6 through holes allow the laser diode to be mounted to the plate. The mounting area is cut 1 mm oversized in all directions to allow adjustment of the laser for centration within the cage system. This cage plate is not compatible with our strain relief cables.