LINOS Microbench,
Bench and Rail Systems
About this Brochure
We received a lot of positive feedback on previous
editions of our brochure describing our Microbench
TM
and Tube Mounting System C
TM
products. We are
confi dent that this latest edition, reworked and
expanded by the addition of the Nanobench
TM
and
our fl at rail and profi e systems, lives up to the
l
standard of quality you have come to expect from
LINOS products.
1. 1990 edition (german)
2. edition 2002
Microbench
Tube Mounting System C
Microbench
Tube Mounting
System C
Our main objective is to provide you with a clear
2
overview of these systems, including details on their
compatibility with one another. Numerous photo-
Microbench, Bench and Rail Systems
graphs illustrate a variety of applications and setups
to help you choose the best combination for your
own requirements.
The layout is designed to guide you straight to the
information you need, from brief summaries to
detailed descriptions and helpful tips.
Special pictograms represent the different LINOS
systems to help you find what you need quickly:
Introduction, Solutions and Applications
Microbench
Nanobench
Tube System C
Rail System FLS
Profile System X 25
Edition 2009
New Q-style edition 2010
www
Further details are available in the main LINOS catalog
of Qioptiq. Visit our website at www.qioptiq-shop.
com for the latest information on all our products,
special offers, and to place orders.
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Microbench
TM
Nanobench
TM
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Tube System C
TM
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Rail Systems FLS
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Profile System X 25
Table of Contents
The Microbench Concept
Microbench Manufacturing Line
LINOS Bench Systems, Overview
Microbench
TM
Basic Principles
Nanobench
TM
Basic Principles
Tube System C
TM
Basic Principles
Flat Rail and Profile Systems
Basic Principles
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Begin My Experiment?
How Do I Integrate Spherical Optics?
How Do I Integrate Planar Optics?
How Do I Apply Adhesives?
How Do I Integrate Optics into Existing Setups?
How Can I Realize Different
Angles in My Setup?
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18
21
22
23
24
16
14
12
10
4
6
7
How Do I Adjust Optics Along the X and Y Axis? 26
What Options are Available for Rotation
of Optics?
How Do I Adjust Optics along the Z Axis?
What Adapters Are Available?
How Do I Mount My Assembly on
e.g. Optical Tables?
How Can I Combine Systems?
How Do I Mount Bench Systems in
My Instrument?
Application Examples of Complex Systems
Creating a Spatial Filter System
Creating an Expansion System
Creating a Fiber Coupler
Light Sources for Bench Systems
Motorized Positioners for LINOS Bench Systems
Homogenizers in the Nanobench
Customer Applications
36
37
38
39
41
42
43
35
3
31
34
27
28
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The Microbench Concept
LINOS (the Catalog line of Qioptiq) – formerly
Spindler & Hoyer – and the Microbench system are
bound together inseparably, and have been for more
than 40 years now. The long-established Spindler &
Hoyer company began serial production of the
compact 4-rod Microbench system, the innovative
successor to the triangular rail system, as early as
1968.
thus were suitable only for demonstration purposes.
The dimensions of the accessories for these earlier-
model benches made it impossible to achieve the
compactness often sought-after in an optical setup.
Furthermore, the insertion of microscope assemblies
such as polarization, interference or measuring
microscopes
was
exceedingly
complex
with
conventional optical benches. The logical step was
the development of a novel micro-optical bench.
4
Julius Adolf Hoyer and August Spindler,
founders of Spindler & Hoyer (now Qioptiq)
Draft design of the Microbench
(about 1960): mounting plates, connecting
rods and mounts are still recognizable today
Until well into the 1960s, optical test assemblies
were generally set up on triangular profi le, or "Zeiss
l
profi e" optical benches. These were heavy and
relatively large constructions that permitted only
linear, level optical arrangements. Those systems that
did allow spatial expansion were not sufficiently
torsion-resistant for metrological applications and
The distinctive feature of the new system was its high
stability and precision. Since its introduction, optical
and mechanical components of the Microbench
system have become indispensable in optical
laboratory experiments and are built into a large
number of optomechanical devices.
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Instruments made up of Microbench components are
also ideal for demonstrations and practical training:
the exposed design makes it easy not only to observe
the entire system but also to alter or expand its most
basic workings by simply adding components, such
as grids, prisms, mirrors or other accessories.
In the following years the Microbench system has
been continually expanded. Numerous mounted
optics, specially designed for the Microbench, have
been developed. The special
m
icon has been
developed for use in our catalogs to make it easier
for you to find mounted optics to add to your
Microbench. Now in use both in our main catalog
and the on-line shop, this icon shows you at a glance
which optics are available in Microbench-compatible
mounts.
For the past 40 years the Microbench has stood for
the compatibility of all elements. Thanks to our
extremely strict production tolerances, we can
guarantee that components made today can be used
with elements manufactured in the 1970s. And in
our further development of the Microbench system,
we will continue to ensure that new products are
compatible with earlier-model elements.
Production drawing from 1963
5
│
Your advantage using LINOS products
Decades of experience
High flexibility thanks to a wide range
of components
High quality ensured by German
manufacturing standards
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