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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

DIY Optical Bench Idea

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Feb 14, 2011
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Wasn't sure if i should post this here or in the experimental thread but here it goes, sorry if i'm mistaken.

Anyways, i have several nice lasers but totally lack an optical table of any sort, i DO however have an 8' slate pool table that i have no use for and plan to re-purpose one way or the other.
My question, would slate make a good optical bench? if so, what steps should i take in it's fabrication?

Thanks in advance.
-Fritz
 





diachi

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Wasn't sure if i should post this here or in the experimental thread but here it goes, sorry if i'm mistaken.

Anyways, i have several nice lasers but totally lack an optical table of any sort, i DO however have an 8' slate pool table that i have no use for and plan to re-purpose one way or the other.
My question, would slate make a good optical bench? if so, what steps should i take in it's fabrication?

Thanks in advance.
-Fritz


It's a good solid, flat surface for sure. Problem being that you wouldn't be able to drill and tap good holes for mounting components, seeing as it's slate which is rather brittle.

You can find used optical breadboards on eBay for reasonable prices at various sizes. From 12"x12" (or even smaller) to full blown 8'x4' tables.

https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_odk...adboard.TRS0&_nkw=Optical+breadboard&_sacat=0

Edit: 8000 posts!
 
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well, there is a 3/4" MDF backer glued to the bottom of the slate, i was thinking of drilling holes down to that and then gluing a nut at the bottom to which i could bolt optics, etc. to.
was planing on using 1 of the 3 pcs for optics bench, 1 pc as my solder station worktable and the 3rd pc as my wifes new countertop.
if it cant be used as an optics bench, i guess i could always use a nice, heavy, flat surface in the fab shop..... :thinking:
 
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The main concern with an optical table is that it be free from all vibrations. Another reason they are made of a solid piece of metal. Often times one needs to set up a Michelson interferometer. It is essential that the optical table be vibration free to be able to accomplish this. Even diffraction tuning of direct diodes need a vibration free surface. A pool table is on legs that can add to a vibrating surface. I suppose you could use the table to mount a metal flat surface onto.
 
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Edit: 8000 posts!
A little off topic...
Congrats on your 8K Posts....;)

As to the OP's question...
I suppose any flat mass could be used as
an optical bench if a simple way of mounting
equipment to it is available.
You will also need a vibration dampening
system between the mounting table and
optical bench to negate vibrations transmitted
to the optical bench.

Jerry
 

badscr

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Op. Could do a thin steel sheet. I’ve seen magnetic post. Use rare-earth (silver ones) magnets as the are very powerful.


Not going to get into thermal expansion of table top.

I’m thinking you could use big thick rubber under each leg as a passive way to dampen vidration.

If a optical table is on an upper floor, the sway of the building (even on 2nd floor) will require a active damping system. Professional passive damping is not good enough.
 
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Testing the softening of necro’s? Answering a post this old isn’t the same thing, unless you are asking for more info to start the conversation back up?
 

badscr

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Yah, it was not that far down the list. Did not see it was that old.
 
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I’ve done it unknowingly too. Just that we as a group have started softening on necro posts if the responses make sense, not everyone agrees on that though. Maybe Jerry or another member wants to respond or add more, just thought you were yanking on the situation due to some disagreeing on bringing back old threads. Paul has lots of experience with this kind of equipment, he might chime in.
 
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What badscr has said is basically true. As long as your optical bench is on the ground floor, or better still, on a concrete floor, passive motion damping is usually sufficient. We have used under inflated tire inner tubes under a sand box to dampen motion for holography. Air current are also a concern as they will show up on your interferometer as moving interference lines or none at all. Using a Michelson interferometer is the best way to test the ability of your bench to dampen motion.
 

CurtisOliver

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Anything that adds value to an old thread or an attempt to reuse an old thread rather than clog up the forum with a new one, I see as valid reasons to necro IMO. Asking questions and adding pointless posts however are not valid reasons to necro. That's my two cents. :)
 
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Though this is a dormant perhaps a dead thread nevertheless an idea popped into my head that a few sheets of pegboard sandwiched together might work.
 
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Not for an optical table that uses an interferometer or for holography. The slightest movement will destroy your results.
 




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