The mechanical mounts, translation stages, posts, and breadboards used to physically support and align lenses, mirrors, and lasers. Good optomechanics must provide extreme stability against thermal drift and vibration while allowing precise, repeatable adjustments at the micrometer or nanometer level. It is the physical foundation of any optical laboratory or commercial laser system.
We spent half the budget on the laser and the other half on the optomechanics to keep it stable on the table.
Related terms
Kinematic mount
An adjustable optic holder that uses three-point contact and fine screws to set tip and tilt repeatably.
Breadboard
A rigid, flat plate drilled with a grid of threaded holes on which optics are mounted, smaller than a full optical table.
Walk the beam
To align a beam onto a path using two steering mirrors adjusted in turn against two targets or irises.