Patent ID: 6144509
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A retaining assembly for securing an optical element to a cell proving a holding structure for said optical element, said cell defining an opto-mechanical axis for said optical element, said optical element having a first flat surface abutting said cell and having a conical peripheral surface, comprising:an element contact ring having first surface and a second surface, wherein said first surface comprises a conical surface segment, said conical surface segment placed adjacent to said conical peripheral surface of said optical element;an intermediate ring disposed adjacent to said element contact ring, said intermediate ring having a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first surface abuts said second surface of said element contact ring; anda retaining ring disposed adjacent to said intermediate ring, said retaining ring adapted to engage with said cell in a manner to secure said element contact and intermediate rings snugly between said optical element and said retaining ring such that said optical element and said cell and said first, second and retaining rings are retained together in a secure assembly with said optical element in an aligned condition relative to said opto-mechanical axis;wherein said element contact ring, intermediate ring and retaining ring are disposed and arranged in an axially aligned condition and in an axial direction substantially parallel to said opto-mechanical axis.