ASSEMBLY_CUBE_Laser

LASER Mount Cube

This is the repository for the Laser Mount Cube.

To acquire the STL-files use the UC2-Configurator. The files themselves are in the RAW folder. The module can be built using injection-moulded (IM) or 3D-printed (3DP) cubes.

Purpose

It adapts a laser-pointer to the to the UC2 system.

The laser-pointer is permanently switched on/off using a 3D printed clamp. It is inserted in a Thorlabs-like adapter which centers the laser on the optical axis. Using a set of rods, this adapter can be mounted inside the base-cube. Having two of these adapters makes the design very robust!

Properties

• design is derived from the base-cube
• the adapter for the laser can be adjusted to individual laser-pointer diameters
• the 4 screws make centering of the laser w.r.t. the optical axis easy
• Diode-laser, Multimode line profile, Beam
• Peak-Wavelength: 446 nm

Laser Spectrum

The measured sepctrum from the 450nm laser pointer we used for the Light sheet setup can be found below:

Laser Power

We measured a mean power of 0.546 mW in continuous mode. We used new batteries.

Parts

The Bill of Materials is always the most up-to-date version!

3D printing parts

• No support needed in all designs
• Carefully remove all support structures (if applicable)

The Cube consists of the following components.

Default:

• IM Cube which houses the insert and adapts it into a UC2 setup.
• The Laser inserts which holds the laser and adapts it to the base cube. For optimal performance use two inserts in one cube (20_Cube_Insert_Laser_Holder_fixed_v3.stl)
• The Laser Clamp allows keeping the laser switched on without holding it (30_Laser_Clamp_OnOffSwitch.stl)

Alternatives:

• 3DP Cube which will be screwed to the Lid. Here all the functions (i.e. Mirrors, LED's etc.) find their place (10_Cube_1x1_v3.stl) and 3DP Lid which closes the Cube (10_Lid_1x1_v3.stl) - find the details in ASSEMBLY_CUBE_Base

Additional parts

• Check out the RESOURCES for more information!
• 4× DIN912 M3×18 screws
• Laserlands 450 nm laser-pointer 🢂

Assembly

• Insert the 4 screws in the insert and screw them thus far so the they are not visible in the inner hole
• Insert the inserts into the Cube
• Close the cube accordingly (IM/3DP)
• Fix the laser centred in the Cube
• Add the laser switch clamp
• Done!
• Only insert the batteries before you use the module!

Tutorial with images

Don't insert batteries in the laser yet!!!

1. All parts for this model

2. Add two of the screws to one insert, opposite of each other. Screw them in enough to stick a little into the central hole but not to block it. Do the same for both inserts.

3. Place both inserts inside the Cube. The two pairs of screws has to be perpendicular to each other as shown in the picture. Then close the Cube.

4. Put the laser into the inserts. The front of the laser should be between the screws that fix it horizontally and the body should be fixed vertically - with respect to the cube. This is then optimal for alignment. Fix the laser roughly in the centre of the Cube.

5. Add the switch clamp to the laser.

6. The assembly is done! But only insert the batteries before you use the module!

Safety

Never (!) look into the laser pointer! It will damage your eye immediately!

• ATTENTION: NEVER WATCH DIRECTLY INTO THE LASER! EYE WILL BE DAMAGED DIRECTLY
• NEVER SWITCH ON THE LASER WITHOUT INTEDED USE
• BEAM HAS TO GO AWAY FROM ONESELF - ALWAYS!