Are you looking for mirror mounts to support and hold mirrors in an experiment? What factors should you consider when selecting mirror mounts? The various type of mirror mounts available in the market include?
Mirror mounts.
It is a device used to support and hold mirrors of any shape or size. Mirror mounts allow you to adjust the angle of the mirror on the yaw axis and pitch axis. It is useful in optical applications for beam routing. The different types of mounts are used in biomedical, research, astronomy, metrology, semiconductor, and life sciences fields. Depending on the component mounted, mirror mounts have square, circular, or rectangular holding fixtures. The different types of mirrors include:
- Parabolic mirrors.
- Flat mirrors.
- Laser mirrors.
- Optic mirrors.
Types of mirror mounts.
- Kinematic mount.
They are common due to relatively low cost and excellent stability. The mirror is held on a movable frame pivoted by a ball bearing set on a hole fixed on the frame. It has six independent constraints. Its drawbacks include beam translation, cross-coupled adjustments, and limited angular travel. The orientation and location of axes of rotation are non-stationary and found behind the optic. During adjustments, cross-coupled motion occurs. Translation and rotation of the optic occur when adjustments are made since the axes of rotation are located behind the optic. The angular travel is limited because the used adjustment screws and springs are physically limited. Groove, cone, and flat mount are the various types of kinematic mirror mounts.
- Gimbal mounts.
The axes of rotation are orthogonal and fixed in space. Beam translation is eliminated and non-coupled rotation adjustment of the optic is allowed. They have larger travel ranges compared to kinematic mounts. Gimbal mounts are expensive and large.
- Flexure mounts.
The angular translation is provided depending on the elastic deformation of the material used. These mounts are incorporated into systems and instrumentation due to their compact size and ability to resist shock. They are prone to alignment drift due to temperature fluctuations and, their travel range is limited.
Factors to consider when choosing mirror mounts.
- Cost.
The cost of different types of mounts varies. Kinematic mounts are expensive compared to fixed mirror mounts. Consider the mount’s functionality before you make the purchase. Expensive mirror mounts have a longer lifetime, reduced alignment time, and reduced assembly cost.
- Stability.
When the device drifts, the beam path in an optical system shifts. The mount should be stable enough to withstand temperature change and vibrations. The design and material used to make the mirror mount will affect its thermal and vibrational stability.
- Precision.
Gimbal and kinematic mounts offer more precision compared to fixed mirror mounts.
Conclusion.
A mirror mount is a device used to support and hold mirrors of any shape and size. Applications of these mounts are in the following field: research, astronomy, semiconductor, metrology, bio-medical, and life sciences. Laser, flat, parabolic, and optic mirrors are the types of mirrors mounted on mirror mounts. The mirror mounts type include kinematic, gimbal, and flexure mirror mounts. Consider the precision, stability, and cost when choosing mirror mounts.
