Getting Started Using the Cage System Components Kit

Parts List | Application Examples

The TECHSPEC Cage System Components Kit is an excellent introduction to the TECHSPEC Optical Cage System: a collection of plates, rods, mounts, and additional optomechanical components designed to simplify optical system setup. Created to include many of the TECHSPEC Optical Cage System's most popular components, the TECHSPEC Cage System Components Kit is an ideal single-purchase solution to creating simple optical cage system setups, or for use as a building block for more complicated designs. Step-by-step instructions and parts lists are available to show how to use a TECHSPEC Cage System Components Kit to create common optical systems.

Parts List

TECHSPEC Cage System Components Kit Contents
Image	Usage	Description	Stock No.	Quantity
	Basic Cage Construction Plate with M6 tapped hole	25mm Standard Cage Mounting Plate 30mm Standard Cage Mounting Plate	#85-632 #85-630	8 8
	Interface for cage sphere and provides larger rod spacing than standard plate	30mm Square Mounting Plate	#85-737	2
	Used to introduce 30°, 60°, or 90° bends in the optical path	30mm Angle Plate	#85-622	2
	Allows additions to a cage system without the need for disassembling the rods	Insertion Plate	#85-643	1
	Easily swap filters within a cage system	Filter Holder Plate Interchangeable Filter Holder	#86-018 #85-649	1 2
	Cage System Adapter Plate	Adapts 30mm rod spacing of other cage systems to the TECHSPEC Optical Cage System	#86-846	2
	Allows for easy interface to C-mount components	C-Mount Adapter	#85-719	4
	Cube for intersecting optical paths	Cage Sphere w/ 43mm Port 30mm Port Cover	#85-624 #85-627	1 1
	Used to connect cage plates at 90° angles	Plate Corner Connector	#85-664	8
	Lens mounts designed to fit into cage plates	12.5mm Dia. Lens Mount 12.7mm Dia. Lens Mount w/10mm Thick 25/25.4mm Dia. Lens Mount 25/25.4mm Lens Mount w/10mm Thick 25mm Simple Optic Mount	#85-549 #85-547 #85-587 #85-588 #85-605	2 2 2 2 1
	Cube beamsplitter mount fits within 25mm cage plates	25/25.4mm Cube Beamsplitter Mount	#85-688	1
	Polished 440 stainless steel rods for basic cage construction	6mm Dia. 50mm Length Cage Rod 6mm Dia. 100mm Length Cage Rod 6mm Dia. 120mm Length Cage Rod 6mm Dia. 150mm Length Cage Rod 6mm Dia. 300mm Length Cage Rod	#85-486 #85-488 #85-489 #85-490 #85-492	2 4 6 6 4
	Block beam path or to customize a simple mount	Blank Disk	#85-539	1
	Used to lock 6mm rods in place or secure optic mounts and accessories	M3 x 0.5 x 2.5mm Socket Head Set Screw M3 x 0.5 x 6mm Socket Head Set Screw M3 x 0.5 x 10mm Socket Head Cap Screw	– – –	100 50 50
	Tools for cage assembly	Allen Key for M3 SHSS (2 Pack) Allen Key for M3 SHCS (2 Pack)	#55-452 #57-445	1 1
	Optical Component Cabinet	Storage cabinet for the cage system components kit	#59-815	1

Figure 3: Illustration of Optical Cage System Plate with Four 6mm Support Rods

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Michelson Interferometer

Combined with just a few additional optical cage components, some optics, and a laser source, the TECHSPEC Cage System Components Kit can be used to build a Michelson interferometer. Complete assembly instructions and parts list are available.

Fluorescence Microscope

With a few additional optical components, imaging equipment, mounting hardware, and an illuminator, the TECHSPEC Cage System is ideal for building a digital fluorescence microscope. Complete assembly instructions and parts list are available.