Patent ID: 6239924
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G02B,G03F

Abstract:
A structure for mounting a lens, comprising:a lens cell member capable of holding the lens around a periphery thereof;a plurality of radial flexure mounts affixed to the lens cell member, each radial flexure mount including a pair of flexures extending at opposite ends of the radial flexure mount and a seat affixed to the radial flexure mount for mounting the lens periphery; anda plurality of soft mounts disposed between adjacent radial flexure mounts, each soft mount including a resilient support contacting the lens periphery to support at least part of the weight of the lens,wherein ends of the pair of flexures are fixed to the lens cell member and the flexures can bend radially to accommodate expansion or contraction of the lens cell member due to temperature changes while minimizing stress on the lens.