Features

Compact Footprint

Front Panel or PC Readout

Active Fiber Alignment

Maintain Optimum Power Throughput

InGaAs or Si Detectors and Pin Current Options

USB Plug-and-Play Connectivity

Full apt™ Software Control Suite Included

Extensive ActiveX Programming Interfaces

Used with 2 TPZ001 Piezo Drivers

The T-Cube™ NanoTrak™ Controller represents the latest developments in automated optical alignment technology. It is designed for use in entry-level lower bandwidth photonics devices and fiber alignment and is ideal for low-volume device assembly, characterization, and mapping. This auto-alignment T-Cube™ unit is used together with a pair of external piezo amplifier channels (TPZ001 T-Cube™ Piezo Drivers) to provide a complete solution for manipulating piezo-actuated nanopositioning stages to align devices to within 10 nm resolution. Equipped with a direct FC/PC optical PIN diode input fed to a high-gain multirange transimpedance amplifier, this unit deploys the same advanced auto-alignment algorithms pioneered on our high-end, higher bandwidth, benchtop NanoTrak™ Controller (BNT001). For an explanation of NanoTrak™, please click on the Further Info and Software Tabs above.

The user can control the device by using either the manual control panel or via the intuitive software interface provided with the unit.

For convenience, the footprint of this unit has been kept to a minimum, measuring only 60mm x 60mm x 47mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.8"). It is also possible to mount the controller to the optical table directly so it is in close proximity to the device it controls. Tabletop operation also allows minimal drive cable lengths for easier cable management. All manual controls are located on the top face of the unit, making it convenient to adjust the piezo positions manually and to monitor the alignment via the easy-to-read target display.

Power Supply Options

The TNA001 T-Cube™ requires a +5V, +15V and -15V, power supply. Thorlabs offers a compact, two-way power supply unit (TPS002), allowing up to two T-Cubes to be powered from a single main outlet. Alternatively, the USB Controller Hub (TCH002) provides power distribution for up to six TCubes. The Controller Hub contains a fully compliant USB 2.0 hub circuit to provide communications for all six T-Cubes - a single USB connection to the Controller Hub is all that is required for PC control.