Device Alignment Stage, Compact, Six-Axis, 2 mm Linear, 4 degree Angular, 4-40

Kinematic Device Alignment Stages combine the capabilities of multiple, stacked translation stages into a single stage with multiple actuators. These stages are designed to align a device or optic, such an acousto-optic modulator, to a beam path, avoiding the added wobble of combining components for multi-axis positioning. These stages have all degrees of freedom needed to align one optical axis to another. The five-axis stages provide additional control of the focus and the six-axis stage provides roll. Each degree of freedom has one actuator for motion, such that two actuators provide translation when moved equal amounts, while one actuator's motion provides the tilt about the bisecting axis. Rotations of the mounting plate around its center, then, arise from turning two actuator screws in opposite directions.