PASCO OS-8535 User Manual

Instruction Manual for
the PASCO scientific
Model OS-8535

LINEAR TRANSLATOR

FOR THE BASIC OPTICS SYSTEM

012-06551A

1/98

© 1998 PASCO scientific $10.00

012-06551A Basic Optics Linear Translator

T able of Contents

Section Page

Copyright, Warranty, and Equipment Return .....................................................ii

Description .......................................................................................................1

Mounting the Translator on the Optics Bench ....................................................1

Using a Rotary Motion Sensor .......................................................................... 2

Using the Rack Separately.................................................................................3

Suggestions for Using the Linear Translator ......................................................4

Set Up for a Diffraction Pattern Experiment ......................................................5

Technical Support ......................................................................... Inside Back Cover

i

Basic Optics Linear Translator 012-06551A

Copyright, Warranty and Equipment Return

Please—Feel free to duplicate this manual
subject to the copyright restrictions below.

Copyright Notice

The PASCO scientific Model OS-8535 Linear Translator
manual is copyrighted and all rights reserved. However,
permission is granted to non-profit educational institu­tions for reproduction of any part of this manual provid­ing the reproductions are used only for their laboratories
and are not sold for profit. Reproduction under any other
circumstances, without the written consent of PASCO
scientific, is prohibited.

Limited Warranty

PASCO scientific warrants this product to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
year from the date of shipment to the customer. PASCO
will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the product
which is deemed to be defective in material or workman­ship. This warranty does not cover damage to the product
caused by abuse or improper use. Determination of
whether a product failure is the result of a manufacturing
defect or improper use by the customer shall be made
solely by PASCO scientific. Responsibility for the return
of equipment for warranty repair belongs to the customer.
Equipment must be properly packed to prevent damage
and shipped postage or freight prepaid. (Damage caused
by improper packing of the equipment for return ship­ment will not be covered by the warranty.) Shipping costs
for returning the equipment, after repair, will be paid by
PASCO scientific.

Equipment Return

Should this product have to be returned to PASCO
scientific, for whatever reason, notify PASCO scientific
by letter or phone BEFORE returning the product. Upon
notification, the return authorization and shipping instruc­tions will be promptly issued.

➤ NOTE:

NO EQUIPMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR
RETURN WITHOUT AN AUTHORIZATION.

When returning equipment for repair, the units must be
packed properly. Carriers will not accept responsibility
for damage caused by improper packing. To be certain
the unit will not be damaged in shipment, observe the
following rules:

➀ The carton must be strong enough for the item

shipped.

➁ Make certain there is at least two inches of packing

material between any point on the apparatus and the
inside walls of the carton.

➂ Make certain that the packing material can not shift in

the box, or become compressed, thus letting the instru­ment come in contact with the edge of the box.

Address: PASCO scientific

10101 Foothills Blvd.

Credits

This manual authored by: Dave Griffith

P.O. Box 619011

Roseville, CA 95678-9011
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

ii

012-06551A Basic Optics Linear Translator

Introduction

The PASCO OS-8535 Linear Translator is designed to be mounted on the Optics Bench of the OS-8515 Basic Optics
System. The Linear Translator can also be mounted on a rod up to 0.5 inch (12 mm) diameter.

Description

The Linear Translator consists of a base with mounting hardware and an attached rod clamp, a rack, and a rack clamp.
The hole in the base allows it to be stored on a peg. The mounting hardware on the base consists of a thumbscrew and a
square nut. The nut fits into the T-slot in the center of the Optics Bench (part of the OS-8515).

The rack is attached to the top of the base with two thumbscrews. The rack is designed to fit inside the T-slot on the side
the PASCO Model CI-6538 Rotary Motion Sensor (or CI-6625 Rotary Motion Sensor for ULI). The teeth on the rack
engage a gear inside the Rotary Motion Sensor, causing the gear to rotate when the Rotary Motion Sensor moves along
the rack. The Rotary Motion Sensor measures its linear position along the rack.

The rack clamp is attached to the back of the rack with a thumbscrew. The clamp sets the initial or final position of the
Rotary Motion Sensor.

rack

thumbscrew

rod clamp

rack

thumbscrew

base thumbscrew

base

alignment studs

rack clamp

rack

square nut

Figure 1: Linear Translator for Basic Optics

Mounting the Linear Translator on the Optics Bench

You can mount the Linear Translator on the Optics Bench in two ways: with the Rack perpendicular to the Optics
Bench or with the Rack parallel to the Optics Bench.

1

Basic Optics Linear Translator 012-06551A

Pependicular Mount

To mount the Linear Translator so the Rack is perpendicular,
leave the mounting hardware (thumbscrew and square nut) in
the center hole. Loosen the thumbscrew by turning the thumb­screw counter-clockwise while holding the square nut. Leave
the square nut on the end of the thumbscrew.

Attach the base to the Optics Bench by inserting the square nut
into the T-slot located along the center of the Optics Bench.
Use the two widely spaced alignment studs on the underside of
the base to align the Linear Translator with the edge of the Op­tics Bench.

The Linear Translator can be moved to any position along the
Optics Bench while the thumbscrew is loose. Tighten the

The alignment studs rest against the

edge of the Optics Bench

Figure 2: Linear Translator on Optics Bench

thumbscrew to secure the Linear Translator in position.

Parallel Mount

To mount the Linear Translator so the Rack is parallel to
the Optics Bench, move the mounting hardware from the
center hole to the off-center hole (see Figure 3.1).

Turn the Linear Translator so the Rack is parallel to the
Optics Bench. Insert the square nut into the T-slot lo­cated along the center of the Optics Bench.

Using a Rotary Motion Sensor

You can mount a PASCO Model CI-6538 Rotary Mo­tion Sensor or the Model CI-6625 Rotary Motion Sensor
for ULI on the rack of the Linear Translator.

The Rotary Motion Sensor has a T-slot into which
you can slide the Rack of the Linear Translator. The
first step is to remove the rack thumbscrews from the
ends of the Rack. Turn the thumbscrews counter­clockwise to remove them.

You may also want to remove the Rack Clamp from
the Rack. Turn the rack thumbscrew counter-clock­wise until you can slide the Rack Clamp off the end
of the Rack.

Move the mounting hardware to

the off-center hole.

Slide the square nut

into the T-slot.

Figure 3.1

If you are using the three-step pulley on the Rotary
Motion Sensor, hold the Rotary Motion Sensor so the
three-step pulley is on top. Line up the Rack with the
T-slot on the side of the Rotary Motion Sensor. The
teeth on the Rack go through the narrow side of the
T-slot and then engage a gear that is on the shaft of
the Rotary Motion Sensor. Gently push the Rack
through the T-Slot and into the sensor.

The alignment studs rest against

the edge of the Optics Bench.

Figure 3.2: Linear Translator Parallel to Optics Bench

2

012-06551A Basic Optics Linear Translator

When the Rack is in the T-slot, put the Rack
Clamp back onto the Rack and tighten its
thumbscrew. Place the Rack with the sensor
back onto the Linear Translator. The back end

Rotary Motion Sensor

of the Rotary Motion Sensor rests on the up­right edge of the base of the Linear Translator.
Line up the holes in the ends of the Rack with
the holes on the Linear Translator base. Put the
thumbscrews into the holes and turn them

rack

rack thumbscrew

clockwise to tighten.
If the Linear Translator is mounted parallel to

the Optics Bench, move the rod clamp from the

rack

clamp

end of the Rotary Motion Sensor to the side of
the Rotary Motion Sensor. By doing this, the
Light Sensor will be along the center line of the
Optics Bench when you put the Aperture
Bracket post into the rod clamp of the Rotary

Linear Translator

Motion Sensor.
You will need a Phillips head screwdriver with

a small tip (e.g., #0). Use the screwdriver to re­move the two screws from the end of the rod
clamp. Align the rod clamp with the threaded

Figure 4.1: Rotary Motion Sensor onto Linear Translator

holes on the side of the Rotary Motion Sensor.
Replace the screws.

Move the rod clamp to the side

Using the Rack Separately

of the Rotary Motion Sensor

and replace the screws.

The rack of the Linear Translator can be used sepa­rately from the Linear Translator. For example, it can
be an accessory to the Rotary Motion Sensor in experi­ments that do not require the Optics Bench but that do
require the measurement of linear position.

rod clamp

Remove the two rack thumbscrews. Remove the rack
clamp from the rack. Use a Phillips head screwdriver
with a small tipe (e.g., #0) to remove the two screws
from the end of the rod clamp that is on the Linear
Translator. Use one of the rack thumbscrews to attach
the rod clamp to one end of the rack as shown. Use the
rod clamp to hold sensors, etc.

rack

rack thumbscrew

Figure 5: Rod Clamp attached to Rack

rod clamp

Remove the

screws from the

rod clamp.

Optics Bench

Figure 4.2: Rotary Motion Sensor on Linear Translator

Parallel to Optics Bench

3

Basic Optics Linear Translator 012-06551A

Suggestions for Using the Linear Translator

Light Intensity of Diffraction Patterns

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

– Optics Bench (part of OS-8515) – Linear Translator (OS-8535)
– Aperture Bracket (OS-8534) – Slit Accessory (OS-8523)
– Diode Laser (OS-8525) – Rotary Motion Sensor (CI-6538)
– Light Sensor (CI-6504A)

Use the Diode Laser and Slit Accessory to produce a diffraction pattern. Mount the Linear Translator on the
Optics Bench so the rack is perpendicular to the Optics Bench. Use the Light Sensor to measure the intensity of
light in the diffraction pattern. Use the Rotary Motion Sensor mounted on the Linear Translator to measure the
position of the Light Sensor as it moves through the diffraction pattern.

Light Sensor on Aperture Bracket

Slit Accessory

Rotary Motion Sensor

Optics Bench

Linear Translator

Figure 6: Light Intensity of Diffraction Patterns

Diode Laser

(The description for this experiment starts on the next page.)

Light Intensity versus Distance

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

– Optics Bench (part of OS-8515) – Linear Translator (OS-8535)
– Aperture Bracket (OS-8534) – Light Source (part of OS-8515)
– Rotary Motion Sensor (CI-6538) – Light Sensor (CI-6504A)

Use the Light Source to produce a “point source” of light. Mount the Linear Translator on the Optics Bench so the
rack is parallel to the Optics Bench. Use the Light Sensor to measure the intensity of the light. Use the Rotary
Motion Sensor mounted on the Linear Translator to measure the position of the Light Sensor as it moves relative
to the Light Source.

Light Source

Linear Translator

Light Sensor on

Aperture Bracket

4

Rotary Motion

Sensor

Figure 7: Light Intensity versus Distance

Optics Bench

012-06551A Basic Optics Linear Translator

LIGHT

SENSOR

Set Up for a Diffraction Pattern Experiment

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

– Optics Bench (part of OS-8515) – Linear Translator (OS-8535)
– Aperture Bracket (OS-8534) – Slit Accessory (OS-8523)
– Diode Laser (OS-8525) – Rotary Motion Sensor (CI-6538)
– Light Sensor (CI-6504A)

Introduction

The purpose is to investigate the wave nature of light. A Light Sensor measures the intensity of the interference
pattern created by monochromatic laser light passing through a single or multiple slit. The Rotary Motion Sen­sor mounted on the Linear Translator measures the relative positions of the maxima in the pattern.

Procedure

1. Put the Linear Translator onto the Op­tics Bench so the rack is perpendicular

remove “O” ring remove thumbscrew

to the Optics Bench. Mount the Rotary
Motion Sensor onto the Rack of the

Rotary Motion Sensor

rack

Linear Translator as described in the
Introduction. Remove the “O” ring and
thumbscrew from the Rotary Motion
Sensor pulley as shown in Figure 1 so
they will not interfere with the Aperture

Linear Translator

Bracket.

2. Mount the Light Sensor onto the Aper-

Optics Bench

ture Bracket by screwing the Aperture
Bracket post into the threaded hole on

Figure 1

the bottom of the Light Sensor as
shown.

3. Put the post into the rod clamp on the end of the Rotary Motion Sensor. Lower the Aperture Bracket until it
rests on the top of the Rotary Motion Sensor. Tighten the Rod Clamp thumbscrew to hold the Aperture Bracket
and Light Sensor in place.

Light Sensor and
Aperture Bracket

cable to

interface

cable to

interface

Light

Sensor

LIGHT

SENSOR

post

Aperture

Bracket

aperture

disk

screen

Rotary Motion Sensor

rests on the edge of the

Linear Translator

Figure 2

Optics Bench

Figure 3

5

Basic Optics Linear Translator 012-06551A

4. Mount the Diode Laser and a Slit Ac­cessory at the other end of the Optics
Bench. For example, put the MUL­TIPLE SLIT SET into the Slit Acces-

Slit Accessory Diode Laser

sory holder.

5. Plug in the power supply for the Diode
Laser. Turn on the laser.

thumbscrew

6. Rotate the SLIT SET disk on the Slit
Accessory until a slit pattern is in line
with the laser beam. Use the adjustment
screws on the back of the Diode Laser
to adjust the beam if necessary.

Optics Bench

Figure 4

7. Rotate the pulley on the top of the Ro­tary Motion Sensor to move it along the rack on the
Linear Translator. Move the Rotary Motion/Light Sen­sor until the white screen on the front of the Aperture
Bracket shows the diffraction pattern.

8. Examine the diffraction pattern on the white screen. If
the pattern is not horizontal, loosen the thumbscrew on
the Slit Accessory. Slowly rotate the Slit Accessory
until the laser beam is centered on the slit pattern you
want and the diffraction pattern is horizontal on the
white screen on the Aperture Bracket. Tighten the
thumbscrew on the Slit Accessory to hold it in place.

laser beam

slit pattern

thumbscrew

S

T

I

L

S

E

L

B

U

O

4

0

0

D

.

5

.

0

0

4

5

0

2

m

.

.

0

0

m

m

:

:

n

i

=

m

=

d

n

a

n

o

i

i

t

h

a

t

r

d

a

i

p

w

e

t

5

i

s

l

t

s

i

l

:

s

=

:

a

=

d

S

T

I

L

V

A

R

I

A

a

d

=

8

0

0

.

.

0

5

.

0

OS-8523

5

6

8

5

0

-

BASIC OPTICS

SLIT ACCESSORY

=

d

4

0

.

0

=

a

3

2

T

L

U

M

1

a= 0.04 0.04

d= 0.125 0.125

0

8

0

.

5

2

0

.

0

MULTIPLE SLIT SET

6

4

6

5

2

1

.

0

4

S

E

L

P

I

Slit Accessory

B

L

E

D

O

U

B

L

E

S

=

L

0

.

0

I

2

4

T

5

t

o

0

.

7

5

a= 0.040.04
d= 0.25

a= 0.040.04
d= 0.250.50

C

a

O

=

d

0

.0

=

4

M

0

.2

0

5

.08

P

0

.2

5

A

R

I

S

O

N

S

9. Rotate the Aperture Disk on the front of the Aperture
Bracket until the narrowest slit opening is in front of

Figure 5

the Light Sensor opening. This reduces the amount of
ambient light that can enter the Light Sensor while the Light
Sensor is between maxima of the diffraction pattern.

Slit Disk

10.Move the Rotary Motion Sensor/Light Sensor along the rack
on the Linear Translator until the center of the difffraction
pattern is aligned with the center of the narrow slit on the
Aperture Disk of the Aperture Bracket. Loosen the Rotary
Motion Sensor rod clamp and adjust the Aperture Bracket and
Light Sensor up or down if necessary.

diffraction pattern

white screen

Figure 6

Data Recording

Refer to Physics Labs with Computers, Volume 2, (PASCO Model CI-7010) for information about data record­ing using a ScienceWorkshop interface.

6

012-06551A Basic Optics Linear Translator

T echnical Support

Feedback

If you have any comments about the product or
manual, please let us know. If you have any sugges­tions on alternate experiments or find a problem in the
manual, please tell us. PASCO appreciates all cus­tomer feedback. Your input helps us evaluate and
improve our product.

To Reach PASCO

For technical support, call us at 1-800-772-8700 (toll­free within the U.S.) or [phone].

fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
web: www.pasco.com

Contacting Technical Support

Before you call the PASCO Technical Support staff, it
would be helpful to prepare the following information:

• If your problem is with the PASCO apparatus, note:

Name and model number (usually listed on the
label);

Approximate age of apparatus;
A detailed description of the problem/sequence of

events (in case you can’t call PASCO right away,
you won’t lose valuable data);

If possible, have the apparatus within reach when
calling to facilitate description of individual parts.

• If your problem relates to the instruction manual,
note:

Part number and revision (listed by month and
year on the front cover);

Have the manual at hand to discuss your ques­tions.

7