Optical Breadboard, 12 x 18 in., 0.5 in. Thick, 1/4"-20 Tapped Hole Array, Vacuum Compatible, Aluminum

These vacuum compatible aluminum optical breadboards are a low-cost solution for building optical subassemblies that require operation in a vacuum environment. The breadboard features 1/4"-20 tapped holes arranged on a standard 1-inch optical table breadboard pattern, with the first row of holes positioned 0.5 inches from the edge.

The breadboard has five counterbored mounting holes, with one located near each corner, inset 1 inch from the edge, and one located in the center. These counterbores accommodate 1/4" socket head cap screws and provide a smooth top surface when mounting the breadboard to an optical table or when adding pedestals for use as feet. The flatness is specified as 0.006" over 1 ft².

These breadboards can be used inside a vacuum chamber due to the lack of an anodized coating and are suitable for vacuum pressures down to 10^-6 Torr. Ultra-high vacuum ranges may be reached with additional post-process cleaning performed by the user. The mounting holes are tapped through the entire thickness of the plate, eliminating the need for vented mounting hardware.

Common Dimensions & Specs:

• Width: 12 in.
• Length: 18 in.
• Thickness: 0.5 in.
• Material: Aluminum
• Finish: Non-anodized for vacuum compatibility
• Vacuum compatibility: Down to 10^-6 Torr
• Flatness: 0.006" over 1 ft²
• 1/4"-20 tapped holes on a 1" standard optical table breadboard pattern
• First row of tapped holes located 0.5 in. from the edge
• Five counterbored mounting holes for 1/4" socket head cap screws
• Counterbores located near each corner, inset 1 in. from the edge, and one at the center
• Through-tapped mounting holes eliminate the need for vented hardware