Patent ID: 7711226

Claim:
A method of using optically-transmissive elements, comprising: providing a first component operatively coupled to a first optically-transmissive element; providing a second component operatively coupled to a second optically-transmissive element; providing an optomechanical element including a photosensitive material configured to at least attempt to change a dimension when exposed to light; coupling the optomechanical element and the first and second components such that the optomechanical element is at least partially disposed between the first and second components; transmitting light through at least one of the first and second optically-transmissive elements; exposing a portion of the optomechanical element to a leakage portion of the transmitted light at least when the first and second optically-transmissive elements are misaligned; and while exposing the portion of the optomechanical element, exerting an alignment force on at least one of the first and second optically-transmissive elements using the optomechanical element, the alignment force tending to urge the first and second optically-transmissive elements into alignment.