VPH Series optical post holders feature a unique, spring-loaded, brake shoe design to apply constant friction to optical posts during height adjustments for no-slip operation, before locking in place with its thumbscrew. Unlike typical spring-loaded post holders, the VPH Series holds posts in place even if the thumbscrew is partially or completely loosened. Moreover, the VPH Series' holding force is greater than typical spring-loaded screws. The result is easier, faster, and more reliable alignment of an optical experiment.

By using precision machining techniques to remove a small portion of the interior surface opposite the set screw of our VPH Series optical post holder, two lines of contact are created with a post when it is pushed in by the screw. These two lines of contact provide greater stability compared to a post held in place against another circular surface.

Standard VPH post holders feature a 1/4-20 (M6) threaded hole at the bottom and therefore can be threaded directly into an optical table, or with a pedestal base adapter or slotted base (aluminum slotted base or stainless steel slotted base), be mounted anywhere on the optical table.

All post holders except for VPH-1.5 are available in pedestal base version - a stainless steel pedestal base adapter already attached (model number ending with -P designation) for mounting to optical tables with a fork clamp.The base adds 0.188 in. (4.78 mm) to the standard height of each post.

Newport's patented (M-) PS-1P Precision Peg adapter allows the post holders to be precisely installed and removed without changing location within an optical setup. One end of  the pegs is threaded into the bottom hole of post holders and the other end precisely slides into the PS-1P adaptor and locks in place with two set screws. The curved shape of the Peg allows the setscrews to lock parts together securely.