The USB Rotator is a unique, relatively low cost, stepper motor driven system for rotating a 1.0″ (25 mm) optical element. It is powered and controlled solely by a standard USB port. This system provides the method of rotary motion control unmatched in size, simplicity, and ease of use.

The USB Rotator includes a Windows based application software that runs on any standard PC with Windows-XP or higher and a USB port. This user interface provides an easy to use method for positional control. All positioning movements are monitored with an absolute position sensor.

System Features

• USB powered and controlled optical rotator.
• Holds standard 1.0” (25mm) optics with 1.0” mounting/retaining rings.
• Ring clamp with thumb screws provided for larger (35 mm) optics.
• 90 degree rotation with 200 steps of resolution (about 0.5 deg/step).
• Mounts on standard optical tables with ¼-20 /M6 screws on 1.0”/ 25mm centers.
• Motorized or manual override control of the Rotator’s position.
• Low power, motor is energized only when the rotator is moving.
• Absolute positional sensing is used to insure proper positioning, no homing required.
• USB hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Easy to use Windows (XP and higher) based User Interface software, DLL file included.
• Multiple Rotators can be operated with an externally powered USB Hub and cables.

USB Rotator Software

The provided Windows based user interface can control a single USB-Rotator. Status (red/green) indicators on the panel will provide indication of whether the Rotator is properly connected to the USB hub/port and its positional location. The Run, Stop and arrow buttons are clicked with the mouse to move the Rotator to a new position. Each is identified by its serial number located on its base. A descriptive label can also be assigned to each unit. The assignment is stored with the serial number.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• CAD Model
• Software Download

Cost: $985 each, plus shipping and handling.

Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.

• USB powered and controlled shutter.
• Draws power from a standard USB port.
• Auto closing shutter (return spring) if power or communications is lost.
• Quiet stepper motor operation (no clunk) to open and close.
• USB hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Mounts on standard optical tables with 1⁄4 – 20 screws on 1.0” centers.
• Clear beam aperture of 0.75 inches or ~ 19.0 Millimeters.
• One meter USB cable included.
• Easy to use Windows (XP and higher) based User Interface software included.
• LabView and C++ example software with a DLL file provided for ease of automation.

USB Optical Shutter Software

We provide this Windows example program for timed control of an individual USB Shutter. Each shutter is identified by its serial number located on the shutter. Enter this number and click Set to connect. Status (red/green) indicators are used to show whether the shutter is properly connected to the USB port and whether it is opened or closed. The shutter button is clicked to toggle the shutter state. Timed exposures are accomplished by entering time values and selecting a Pulse mode. Source code for this program and LabView examples are also provide as a tutorial for using our DLL file that controls the shutter.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• CAD Model
• Software Download

Cost: $298 each, plus shipping and handling.

Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.

The Picard Quad USB Shutter System offers a compact, quiet and simple method of beam blocking multiple beams at a relatively low cost. The unit comes complete with 4 USB shutters, 3-meter USB cables, an externally powered Hub and a custom application software program (user interface) that runs on any standard PC with a Windows-XP/VISTA operating system. This system provides self-powered method of beam path shutter control that is unmatched in size, simplicity, and cost.

• USB powered and controlled shutter system.
• Four independently controlled, beam blocking, pivoting paddle, type shutters.
• Easy to use Windows (XP/Vista) based User Interface with LabView and DLL support included.
• Hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Auto closing shutter whenever power or communications is lost or disconnected.
• Quiet long life stepper motor operation for opening or closing (no clunking).
• Externally powered 4-port USB Hub with 10’ (3 meter) USB cables included.
• Shutter mounts on standard optical tables with ¼-20 screws on 1.0” centers.
• Clear beam aperture of 0.75” (19.0mm).
• A hard stop defines the closed position.

Quad USB Shutter Software

The Quad USB Shutter user interface provides individual control of up to four shutters. Status (red/green) indicators on the panel will provide indication of whether the shutters are properly connected to the USB hub and whether they are open or closed. The shutter button is clicked with the mouse to toggle the shutter from open to close, or close to open. Each shutter is identified by its serial number located on the shutter. Descriptive labels can be assigned to each shutter. The assignments are stored and activated with the Reset/Store click button.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• Software Download

Cost: Complete System only $1,095 plus shipping and handling.

Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.>/u>

The USB Fiber Shutter is designed to couple a fiber optic cable through the USB-Shutter.

• USB powered and controlled shutter.
• The USB Fiber Shutter is designed to couple a fiber optic cable through the USB-Shutter.
• Draws power from a standard USB port.
• Auto closing shutter (return spring) if power or communications is lost.
• Quiet stepper motor operation (no clunk) to open and close a simple shutter paddle.
• USB hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Mounts provided for optical tables or posts.
• Threaded SM05 mounts on both sides of the box.
• One meter USB cable included.
• Easy to use Windows (XP and higher) based User Interface software included.
• LabView and C++ example software with a DLL file provided.

USB Fiber Shutter Software

We provide this Windows example program for timed control of an individual USB-Fiber Shutter. Each shutter is identified by its serial number located on the shutter. Enter this number and click Set to connect. Status (red/green) indicators are used to show whether the shutter is properly connected to the USB port and whether it is opened or closed. The shutter button is clicked to toggle the shutter state. Timed exposures are accomplished by entering time values and selecting a Pulse mode. Source code for this program and LabView examples are also provided as a tutorial for using our DLL file that controls the shutter.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• CAD Model
• Software Download

Cost: $385 each, plus shipping and handling.

Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.

The Picard USB optical filter wheel offers a small, quiet and simple motorized method of automating the selection of up to six different filters at a relatively low cost. The unit comes complete with a 3 meter USB cable and Windows software, which runs on any standard PC with a Windows-NT/XP/VISTA operating system with a USB port. The USB port provides the means to power and control the filter wheel. It provides a self-powered method of motor control that is unmatched in size, simplicity, and cost.

• USB powered and controlled filter wheel system that is simple and easy to use.
• Holds six standard 1.0” (25mm) optics with 1.0” mounting/retaining rings.
• All filter positions have clear apertures (no filter positions are obstructed).
• Mounts on standard optical tables with 1⁄4 – 20 screws on 1.0” centers.



• Motorized or manual override control of the filter wheel’s position.
• Low power, motor is energized only when the filter wheel moves (changing positions).
• Quiet long life stepper motor operation for repeatable filter wheel positioning.
• Absolute positional sensing is used to insure proper wheel positioning.
• USB hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Easy to use Windows (XP and higher) based User Interface software, LabView example and DLL file included.
• Includes 1 meter USB cable.

USB Filter Wheel Software

The provided Windows based user interface can individually control the USB Filter Wheel. The status (red/green) indicator on the panel will provide an indication of whether the filter wheel is properly connected to the USB port and its positional location. The Run, Stop and arrow buttons are clicked with the mouse to move the filter wheel to new positions. Each filter wheel is identified by its serial number located on its base. Descriptive labels can also be assigned to each unit.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• CAD Model
• Software Download

Cost: $875 each, including an externally powered USB hub and cables, plus shipping and handling.

Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.

Picard’s USB Gradient Wheel system offers a compact, quiet and simple method of automating the positioning of a gradient filter disk into a beam path. It provides a self-powered method of control unmatched in size, simplicity, and cost. The system comes complete with custom application software examples that operate on any standard PC with a Windows-XP/VISTA/Win7 operating system. This software, along with the LabView examples, use our DLL files to allow you to integrate the gradient wheel function into your custom control system. Each USB-GradientWheel is assigned a serial number to allow multiple units to be controlled from a single PC using externally powered USB hubs.

• USB powered gradient wheel positioning system.
• Holds gradient wheels up to 4.0” (100mm) diameter (not included).
• 340 degree with 0.5 degree resolution motorized or manual control of the gradient wheel’s position with active absolute positional sensing.
• Low power, motor is energized only when the gradient wheel is in motion.
• Quiet long life stepper motor operation for reliable and repeatable gradient wheel positioning.
• USB hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Easy to use PC Windows (XP/Vista/Win7) based User Interface software, LabView examples included.
• Mounts on standard optical tables with ¼-20 fasteners on 1.0” (25mm) centers.

USB Rotator Software

The provided Windows based user interface can be used to control the USB Gradient Wheel. Status (red/green) indicators on the panel will provide indication of whether the gradient wheel is properly connected to a USB hub or port with the correctly entered serial number. The positional location of the wheel is active and continually updated. The wheel can be manually moved by hand or moved with the Run, Stop and arrow click buttons. The positional range value is (1-800) increments for a (1-340) degrees of rotation. A descriptive label can also be assigned to each unit.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• Software Download

Cost: $895, plus shipping and handling.

Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.

The USB Laser Module is a unique, relatively low cost, laser diode control system. It is powered and controlled solely by a standard USB port. This system provides the method of automated PC Laser control unmatched in size, simplicity, and ease of use. For typical use in the alignment and positioning of beam-line components.

The USB Laser includes a Windows based, application software that runs on any standard PC with Windows-XP/Vista and a USB port. This user interface provides for manual control of the Laser diode.

• USB powered and controlled Laser Diode ($97.00 single piece price).
• Draws power from a standard USB port of a PC.
• Small module size of 1.6”x 1.0”x 0.8” (40x25x20).
• Standard ¼-20 threaded optical table mounting.
• Class IIIA , less than 3mW @ 650nm Wavelength.
• Remote Laser Diode control (On/Off and Pulsing).
• Convenient USB hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Multi-Laser control possible with external USB Hubs.
• PC Windows interface for easy laser control.
• Includes a DLL file with LabView and C++ Examples.

USB Laser Module Software

This software comes on a CD and will auto install upon insertion into any standard PC with a Windows-XP/VISTA operating system. After the software has been successfully loaded, simply insert the USB-Laser’s serial number and attach it to a standard USB port. The software will auto-detect the connection and allow you to begin controlling (On/Off/Pulse) the laser diode. Multiple USB-Lasers can be connected together by using an externally powered USB hub. Open multiple applications of this software and assign each with the serial number of each USB-Laser. A DLL file is provided with LabView and C++ examples to allow the user to automate this control functionality directly into their own custom application.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• Software Download

Cost: $97, plus shipping and handling.

Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.

The USB SideFlipper offers a compact, fast, quiet and simple method of automating a beam path control. It provides a self-powered method of control unmatched in size, simplicity, and cost.

• USB Powered and controlled Optical Flipper.
• Motorized, flipping of filters, mirrors, or lens.
• Holds standard 1.0” (25mm) optics with 1.0” mounting/retaining rings.
• Built-in magnetic position sensor provides positive real time feedback of the Flipper’s position.
• Flipper mounts on standard optical tables with ¼-20 screws on 1.0” centers.
• Low power motor is energized only when lifting the optic (extending). A spring returns it to the retracted position in case of power failure.
• Smooth, quiet, long life stepper motor operation for extending or retracting the optic (no solenoid type clunking).
• USB hot pluggable with auto-detection.
• Easy to use Windows (XP or higher) based User Interface software, DLL and LabView examples included.
• Multi flipper systems with externally power USB hubs and longer USB cables are available.

USB Side Flipper Software

A Windows based user interface is provided for the control of the USB SideFlipper. Status (red/green) indicators on the panel will provide indication of whether the Flipper is properly connected and whether it is extended or retracted. Each Flipper is identified by its serial number, click boxes and button is used to select the mode and toggle the position of the Flipper.

A DLL file is provided to integrated the USB SideFlipper control into your automated test system or product application.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• Software Download

• Cost: $498 each, plus shipping and handling.

  Contact us below for orders, queries, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.

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• USB powered and controlled (25mm) motorized Iris.
• Iris can be completely close and act as a Shutter.
• Also holds 1.0” optics in the center with 1.0” mounting/retaining rings (included).
• About 200 aperture selections from closed to fully open.
• Mounts on standard optical tables with ¼-20 /M6 screws on 1.0”/ 25mm centers.
• Iris can be manually (override) controlled.
• Low power, motor is energized only when the rotator is moving.
• Absolute positional sensing is used to insure proper positioning, no power-up homing required.
• USB Hot pluggable with Auto-detection.
• Easy to use Windows (XP and higher) based User Interface software, DLL file included.
• Multiple units can be operated with an externally powered USB Hub and cables.

USB Iris Shutter Software

The provided Windows based user interface can control a single USB Iris Shutter. Status (red/green) indicators on the panel will provide indication of whether the Iris is properly connected to the USB hub/port and its positional location. The Run, Stop and arrow buttons are clicked with the mouse to move the Iris to a new position. Each is identified by its serial number located on its base. A descriptive label can also be assigned to each unit. The assignment is stored with the serial number. Below is a sample of what the user interface panel looks like.

Further Details

• Data Sheet
• CAD Model
• Software Download

Cost: $1,120, plus shipping and handling.

Contact us for any questions, orders, quantity discounts or custom applications of this device.