Patent ID: 6878042
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: G02B,G03F

Abstract:
1. With respect to an optical element that, during use, is mounted in an optical column, a method for holding the optical element, comprising: attaching a respective anchoring member to each of multiple attachment locations on the optical element so as to hold each anchoring member at a respective position relative to the optical element, each anchoring member having at least one respective compliant portion configured to prevent, while the anchoring member is attached to the optical element, significant transmission of stress to and from the optical element through the anchoring member; for use of the optical element, keeping the anchoring members attached to the optical element and mounting the optical element via the anchoring members in the optical column; and for subjecting the optical element to an out-of-column procedure, keeping the anchoring members attached to the optical element in the same manner as when the optical element was or will be held in the optical column, and attaching the anchoring members to a holding frame so as to hold the optical element in a position suitable for performing the procedure.