Exploring Optical Platforms: Uncovering Their Construction and Applications

How much do you know about optical platforms, an indispensable device in scientific research and industry? Today, let us delve into the mysteries of optical platforms.
Optical platforms, also known as optical breadboards, optical desktops, scientific desktops or experimental platforms, provide a horizontal and stable operating surface for various experiments. In order to ensure the accuracy of experiments, optical platforms are usually equipped with vibration isolation devices to protect against external interference and ensure the smooth progress of experiments. Optical platforms are divided into two main categories: active and passive. Passive optical platforms are further subdivided into two types: rubber vibration isolation and air-bearing vibration isolation.
The design of the optical platform pursues the ultimate levelness. During the machining process, the table surface is carefully polished to an extremely flat state. The table is then placed on four interconnected airbags to maintain its levelness. The table is covered with engineered threaded holes arranged in a square pattern, which, together with the corresponding screws, securely hold the various optical components. Once the optics are set up, the system is virtually immune to external disturbances. Even when pressure is applied to the stage, the airbag automatically returns it to a level state.
Functionally, optical platforms can be categorized into fixed and adjustable types, as well as passive and active types. The application range of optical platforms is extremely wide, covering a wide range of fields such as optics, electronics, precision machinery manufacturing, metallurgy, aerospace, aviation, navigation, precision chemicals and non-destructive testing. In addition, it is also used in the machinery industry for precision test instruments and equipment, vibration isolation of key devices.

The main constituent parts of the optical platform include the top plate, the bottom plate, the side finish veneer face, the side plates, the honeycomb core, and the sealing cups. Quality optical platforms and breadboards should be of all-steel construction with top and bottom plates of 5 mm thickness respectively, while honeycomb cores are made of precision-machined welded steel with a thickness of 0.25 mm. The honeycomb core is fabricated by means of a precision film pressing tool and the accuracy of its geometric spacing is ensured by welded flat shims. The honeycomb core structure extends from the top plate all the way down to the bottom plate without any transition layers in between, creating a more robust and thermally stable platform product.
Thermal stability is one of the key characteristics of optical stages. It has a symmetrical, uniform steel structure in all directions in all axes. During the heat exchange process, the steel components have similar elongation and contraction properties and are able to maintain good flatness during temperature changes. The steel honeycomb core structure extends from the top plate to the bottom plate with no plastic or aluminum leakage management structure in between, and therefore does not reduce the overall stiffness of the platform or introduce a higher coefficient of thermal expansion. In addition, the use of steel side panels rather than wood panels effectively eliminates environmental instability due to humidity changes.

The precision machining process of optical platforms is also highly distinctive. The automated machining system uses automated orbital machinery to matte finish the surface of the platforms and breadboards, which provides a smoother, flatter surface than traditional older platform products. With the improved surface finish, the platforms have a surface flatness of ±0.1 mm (±0.004 in.) in 1 m2 (11 ft2), providing an ideal contact surface for mounting components and eliminating the need for abrasives to sand the top surface.
Additionally, optical platforms and breadboards can be designed with large radius rounded corners, which increases safety by reducing the number of sharp edges in the lab.
The main accessories for optical platforms include rigid uninsulated support frames, passive vibration isolation support frames, and active self-leveling support frames. Other accessories include shelves, mounts, under-table shelves, vibration isolation accessories, optical platform accessories with mounted struts, adjustable optical climbing frame mounts, seismic suppression devices, optical breadboard enclosures, light shielding materials, and magnetic sheets.
The production of optical platforms is of great importance. In experimental research related to optics, it is vital to have an environment that is free from vibration. However, factors such as the operation of peripheral equipment, noise, vehicle traffic, and building structures can cause vibrations that can degrade the overall performance of an optical system. Optical stages ensure that there is no relative motion between the sensitive optical elements fixed on the stage, and that vibrations from the optical stage and floor are effectively isolated, providing a strong guarantee for smooth experiments.