Step-by-step guide to 3D print motorized rotation mounts for optical applications

摘要

Motorized rotation mounts and stages are versatile instruments that introduce computer control to optical systems, enabling automation and scanning actions. They can be used for intensity control, position adjustments, etc. However, these rotation mounts come with a hefty price tag, and this limits their use. This work shows howto build two different types of motorized rotation mounts for 1 '' optics, using a 3D printer and off-the-shelf components. The first is intended for reflective elements, such as mirrors and gratings, and the second for transmissive elements, such as polarizers and retarders. We evaluate and compare their performance to commercial systems based on velocity, resolution, precision, backlash, and axis wobble. Also, we investigate the angular stability using Allan variance analysis. The results show that our mounts performsimilarly to systems costing as much as $2500 USD, while also being quick to build and costing less than $220 USD. As a proof of concept, we show how to control lasers used in an optical tweezers and Raman spectroscopy setup. When used for this, the 3D printed motorized rotational mounts provide intensity control with a resolution of 0.03 percentage points or better. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement