Varifocal lens mount

[mr_byte31]

Hi Folks,

I am trying to make a small project using two lenses as shown in figure below.
I have fixed lens and another movable lens which will go forward and backwards. its movement shall adjust how large is the laser beam on the wall.

it was a nightmare to align the lenses and maintain a certain distance between them.

I have two questions,
1- how can I maintain an accurate measurements between both lenses ex. 2mm ?
2- how to align the center of both lenses ?

is there special tools for that?

I was thinking about building a 3-D module for that but doesn't have any design in my mind that would make life easier...

[jfiresto]

You might be looking for an optical bench (Optische Bank).

[Phil1977]

I assume you are looking for a "kinematic mount". If it´s for private purposes, I´d search on ebay. Else Thorlabs or the other optical stuff suppliers are your friend.

[mr_byte31]

Many thanks all for the comments.

optical bench is a very good solution for experimentation. I didn't know about it. Thx

kinematic mount is my way forward but it is very expensive. I found other options on this page which include many options for lenses mounts.

I am not sure why all optical stuff are expensive and not easy to find.

But your answers definitely helped me.

[jfiresto]

I am not sure why all optical stuff are expensive and not easy to find.

You might investigate a less accurate xyz stage (Lineartisch). On ebay.de, I am finding some in the EU, probably Chinese-made, for 110~120 euros.