Connecting to PRM1Z8 by Thorlabs in Python

Instrument Card

The PRM1Z8 is a small, compact, DC servo motorized 360° rotation mount and stage that accepts Ø1” optics and SM1-threaded components. The user can measure the angular displacement by using the Vernier dial in conjunction with the graduation marks that are marked on the rotating plate in 1° increments. This rotation stage/mount is also equipped with a home limit switch to facilitate automated rotation to the precise 0° position, allowing absolute angular positioning thereafter. The limit switch is designed to allow continuous rotation of the stage over multiple 360° cycles.

Device Specification: here

Manufacturer card: THORLABS

Thorlabs, Inc. is an American privately held optical equipment company headquartered in Newton, New Jersey. The company was founded in 1989 by Alex Cable, who serves as its current president and CEO. As of 2018, Thorlabs has annual sales of approximately $500 million.

• Headquarters: USA
• Yearly Revenue (millions, USD): 550
• Vendor Website: here

Demo: Send commands to a Polulu stepper motor driver

Connect to the PRM1Z8 in Python

Read our guide for turning Python scripts into Flojoy nodes.

Flojoy

PROTOCOLS > SCPI

📄 IDN

Query a device's identity through the universal *IDN? SCPI command.

📄 MEASURE VOLTAGE

Query an instrument's measured output voltage, such as a DMM or power supply.

📄 SCPI WRITE

Write a SCPI command to a connected bench-top instrument and return the result.

QCodes Community

To connect to a PRM1Z8 Motion using Qcodes Community, you can use the following Python script:

from qcodes import Station
from qcodes_contrib_drivers.drivers.Thorlabs.PRM1Z8 import Thorlabs_PRM1Z8
from qcodes_contrib_drivers.drivers.Thorlabs.APT import Thorlabs_APT

# Create an instance of the Thorlabs APT server
apt = Thorlabs_APT()

# Connect to the PRM1Z8 polarizer wheel
prm1z8 = Thorlabs_PRM1Z8('prm1z8', device_id=1, apt=apt)

# Create a station and add the instrument
station = Station()
station.add_component(prm1z8)

# Connect to the instrument
station.connect(prm1z8)

# Now you can use the instrument
position = prm1z8.position()
print(f"Current position: {position} degrees")

# Set the position to 45 degrees
prm1z8.position(45)

Note that you need to have the qcodes_contrib_drivers package installed to use the Thorlabs_PRM1Z8 and Thorlabs_APT classes.