Patent ID: 6764228
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
A process of sealing an optical element bonded to a support member using bonding material comprising the steps of:placing an optical element through an opening in the support member with the cross-section of the opening being greater than the cross-section of the optical element and with the optical element projecting beyond said support member; filling a space between said optical element and said support member with a bonding material which is prone to emit undesirable components; removing a portion of said bonding material so as to leave said bonding material recessed below the surface of said support member; coating said bonding material and the projecting portion of said optical element with a layer of material which is not prone to emitting undesirable components and which limits passage of any undesirable components emitted by said bonding material; and removing that portion of said layer of material which coats said projecting portion of said optical element while leaving that portion of said layer of material which coats said bonding material intact.