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3D Printing Opto-Mechanics

 

A presentation from the 2016 Winter Meeting: New Orleans, Louisiana

Abstract

Optics labs require a host of specialized equipment to perform basic measurements. Much of this equipment has precision requirements at the micron scale. However, some devices require only moderate precision and are able to be constructed via 3D printing. To that end, we report on the results of the construction of a computer-controlled opto-mechanical rotation mount for use in quantum optics polarization measurements. The worm, worm gear, and enclosure are 3D printed and the rotation is done via stepper motors controlled by an Arduino microcontroller. This project is ideal for undergraduate science or engineering students and is fundamentally multidisciplinary, incorporating 3D CAD drawing, design, electronics and programming.

Details

Author:
David J. Starling

Co-Author(s)
Mari Magabo
Joseph Ranalli
Kenneth Dudeck

Paper Type:
Contributed

Meeting:
2016 Winter Meeting: New Orleans, Louisiana

Time:
09:40 AM

Session:
Educational Applications of 3D Printers

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