A Locking Clamp That Enables High Thermal and Vibrational Stability For Kinematic Optical Mounts

Case ID:
UA18-088
Invention:

This technology is a simple apparatus that reduces the angular drift of an optical mount when subjected to thermal or vibrational perturbations. The novel device provides inexpensive mounts with the ability to achieve <2 μrad/C drift when exposed to unbalanced thermal shock either to one part of the mount itself or to the entire optical system.

 

Background:
Current commercial kinematic optical mounts suffer from instability when exposed to fluctuations in temperature and vibrations. Often, the only way to mitigate the negative effects of such perturbations is through purchasing expensive high-end custom mounts. 

 

Applications:

  • Kinematic optical mounts


Advantages:

  • Ease of use
  • Inexpensive
  • Can be used with existing kinematic mounts

Status: issued U.S. patent #11,846,828

Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Richard Weite
Senior Licensing Manager, College of Optical Sciences
The University of Arizona
RichardW@tla.arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Laird Close
Maggie Kautz
Keywords: