The LABasix SA2 series of economical, solid aluminum breadboards from Newport Corp. is suited for basic photonic research and OEM optical assemblies. Machined from 0.5'' thick 6061 aluminum, the breadboards provide a stable yet lightweight platform for optical components and sub-assemblies. The standard grid of tapped holes extends to within 0.5'' of the plate edges, providing more mounting surface than competitive products. The series also features “in-grid” counter-bored holes and deep edge chamfers for easier lifting, aligning and integration onto standard optical tables.
The series is offered in most standard sizes, as well as custom sizes and shapes. Imperial standard models feature 0.25 to 20 tapped holes on a 1'' grid; metric models feature M6 tapped holes on a 25-mm grid. Both imperial and metric versions are anodized deep black to minimize surface reflections, with other surface finishes available upon request.
Michelle LongoAsst. Managing Editor
Striving Toward Secondary GoalsLate last month, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich stunned most everyone when he declared his promise that "by the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon." While I don’t fault Gingrich for dreaming and trying to set high standards and goals, I can’t help but think of the enormous amount of known and unknown variables that significantly deter this accomplishment...continue