Thorlabs' LX Series Compact Translation Stages provide 25 mm of linear translation with less than 125 µrad of deviation per axis in pitch and yaw over the full range of the stages. Featuring compact footprints, the stages use crossed-roller steel bearings to support precision motion and high load capacities. The monolithic top and bottom plates feature integrated micrometer mounts and are machined from cast tool and jig aluminum for high stability and minimal internal stress.
After each stage is manufactured, the pitch and yaw of the stage are tested. This ensures that each stage meets the stated specifications over the full translation range of the stage. A summary of the test results is provided on an individualized data sheet that ships with each stage.
The mounting surface includes an array of 7 x 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes with 1/2" (12.5 mm) spacings. Each stage axis is lockable via a side-located 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex screw in a locking bracket to guard against accidental movement. Each stage can be bolted directly to an optical table using four counterbored 1/4" (M6) holes that are revealed by translating the second plate from the bottom.
For XY and XYZ stages, the micrometer attached to this plate blocks one of the mounting holes beneath it; to access this hole, the micrometer must first be removed. The base of each stage also has four Ø2.4 mm alignment holes for use with Ø3/32" dowel pins.
These stages come equipped with a metric micrometer head with 500 µm of travel per revolution for each axis. The micrometer can be translated using the knurled knob or, for finer control, a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. The micrometer can be removed and replaced by loosening the side-located flexure clamp with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key. This flexure clamp can hold any micrometer that has a Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) mounting barrel.
Each stage is designed as a standalone stage with a single-axis. Single-axis stages cannot be combined into multi-axis stages and multi-axis stages cannot be disassembled into single-axis stages.
Note: If removing the micrometer, ensure either that the locking bracket is fully tightened or that the spindle is fully retracted and no longer engaged with the moving body of the stage. Failure to do so could result in damage to the stage or require it to be recalibrated to meet its specified performance.