4
Chapter 2
Overview
2.1
Description
The RollerBlock
TM
is a 3-axis, cross-roller bearing stage which is ideally suited to a
broad range of photonics applications. The integrated X-Y-Z design provides a more
compact stage than translation solutions constructed from single axis stacking
stages, while the steel construction and enclosed bearings result in improved product
lifetime. The moveable deck has a full 13mm of travel in three orthogonal directions,
and includes the standard tongue-in-groove fittingcommon to the full range of
Thorlabs optical mounting accessories.
The deck height of this compact stage matches the 62.5mm deck height of our flexure
based translation stages. Using this standard deck height allows this longer travel
stage to be incorporated into complex optical systems built around our popular
MicroBlock™ and NanoMax™ series flexure based stages.
The stage is offered in left or right handed configurations (left hand part numbers are
denoted by a L suffix and are available as a custom order), and in imperial or metric
versions (metric part numbers are denoted by a /M suffix). A range of drive options is
available, including micrometer drives, differential drives and a combined differential
micrometers with integral feedback piezo actuator - see Section 2.2.
Fig. 2.1 RB13M RollerBlock with micrometer actuators
