Method and apparatus for enclosing optical assemblies

Abstract

A frame is used to form a liquid tight seal between optical components such as beam splitters in a prism assembly suitable for use in a kernel. The frame covers channels and intersections of channels between the optical components. A sealant, such as an adhesive or gasket material is placed between the frame and the optical components to create the seal. Many different configurations of optical components may be held together in an assembly using the frame. In one embodiment, the optical components are pathlength matched beam splitters arranged in pathlength matched positions of a prism assembly suitable for use in a kernel. In one embodiment, the frame includes a central plate and a bottom portion, arms, and one or more interlocking mechanisms to hold the frame around the optical components.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.