Optics Experiment Parallax Pin

Product Code : SCL-LAO-12088

The Optics Experiment Parallax Pin is a precision-machined steel object needle used for locating real images and eliminating alignment errors in geometric optics setups. Engineered for physics students and educators, this tool provides a clear physical point of reference to perform precise focal length measurement procedures on linear tracks.

Product Description

This laboratory object needle provides a reliable mechanical alignment tool for fundamental and advanced light refraction studies. Fabricated with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel shaft and a brightly finished brass indexing tip, the apparatus ensures high visual contrast against dark backgrounds or monochromatic laser lines. The structural design features a standardized mounting post that slots smoothly into standard sliding carriers.

For schools and universities upgrading their inventory of foundational physics lab equipment, this hardware component brings great pedagogical value. It allows student pairs to easily practice the no-parallax method by tracking apparent relative movement between target needles. The durable steel core prevents the bending or tip dulling common with standard wire pins, ensuring long-lasting dimensional accuracy.

Key Features

• High-Contrast Indexing Tip: Features a polished brass tip overlay to give students an unambiguous vertical alignment marker.
• Stainless Steel Post: Constructed from hardened stainless steel to eliminate bending, mechanical warp, and environmental oxidation.
• Universal Rail Interface: Designed as part of our high-quality optical bench accessories to slide into universal 10 mm mounting sockets.
• Micro-Beveled Apex Point: Engineered with a safe yet distinct taper tip to maximize spatial measurement accuracy during ray alignments.
• Extended Vertical Range: Provides an extra-long rod length to easily align with large aperture lenses and heavy-duty source housings.
• Knurled Base Collar: Built with a texturized thumb grip surface for rapid height modifications completely by hand.

Technical Specifications

What's Included in the Kit

• 2 x Optics Experiment Parallax Pin steel needle modules
• 2 x Rubber protective safety tip covers
• 1 x Plastic protective storage case
• 1 x Quick alignment instruction card

Applications / Uses

• Locating the exact position of real images formed by convex lenses and concave mirrors using the no-parallax technique.
• Assisting in ray tracing layouts within advanced student optics experiment kits.
• Measuring apparent depth variations and refraction coefficients inside heavy glass blocks or liquid cells.

How to Use the Optics Experiment Parallax Pin

1. Insert the 10mm stainless steel post of the optics experiment parallax pin into a slider carrier on your optical rail.
2. Secure the slider screw knob to fix the object needle at a designated baseline coordinate.
3. Place a secondary parallax pin further down the track to serve as the image mapping reference point.
4. Look horizontally through the test lens or mirror system with one eye open.
5. Move your head sideways to see if the tip images shift relative to each other.
6. Adjust the horizontal position of the image carrier slider until the two tips remain perfectly aligned as you shift your gaze, indicating zero parallax.

Safety Note: Keep the soft rubber protective cap attached to the sharp brass tip whenever the pin is not active on a rail to prevent puncture injuries.

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe down the steel body with a dry microfiber cloth after lab sessions to remove fingerprints and hand oils.
• Storage: Always place the needles back inside their designated plastic case inside a dry cabinet to avoid tip damage.
• Handling: Avoid drop impacts on stone countertops to prevent bending the micro-beveled alignment apex.

Why Choose Science Lab Supplies

Science Lab Supplies is an established manufacturer and premier global exporter of high-precision laboratory instruments and classroom experiment systems. Drawing on decades of technical production experience, we configure specialized educational equipment built to withstand the rigorous demands of daily academic use. Our manufacturing centers operate under tight quality audits to ensure absolute geometric accuracy across every item shipped, backed by highly efficient international shipping networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the parallax pin in physics experiments?

The pin serves as a physical target indicator to locate image planes by checking for zero relative movement between the object pointer and the observed image.

Can this needle fit on a triangular optical rail?

Yes, the post features a standard 10 mm diameter that fits perfectly into the sliding carriers of most classic triangular or rod-based optical tracks.

Is the tip sharp enough to cause injuries?

The tip is finely machined to a micro-beveled point for spatial precision, so it includes a rubber protective cap to ensure safe storage and handling.

How does the no-parallax method work with this tool?

When an observer moves their eyes side-to-side, two objects at different distances appear to shift positions; when they are at the exact same position (the image plane), no relative shifting occurs.

Will the steel shaft rust over time?

No, the body is manufactured from grade 304 stainless steel, which naturally resists atmospheric oxidation and routine laboratory humidity.

Browse our complete line of premium optical bench accessories to find matching mounts, or contact our customer support desk today to finalize a wholesale quotation.