Split optic support structure and optical system using split optic support structure

An optical system with an optic having first and second faces and an outer circumferential edge connecting the first and second faces, the optical system comprising:

• an optic support structure having a hollow interior with a longitudinal central axis and a first support surface extending around said longitudinal central axis for receiving the optic;
• a resilient member carried by said optic support structure, said resilient member configured to contact the outer circumferential edge of the optic and to be moved outwardly by the contact transverse to said longitudinal central axis;
• and
• first and second axial alignment seats arranged about said support surface and contacting the outer circumferential edge of the optic, and said first and second axial alignment seats cooperating with said resilient member to secure the optic against substantial movement in said hollow interior of said optic support structure and to axially position the optic relative to said support surface.

A method of holding an optic inside a optic support structure having a longitudinal central axis, the optic having a first half and a second half defined by a longitudinal bisecting plane, the method comprising:

• contacting the first half of the optic to position the optic in a direction transverse to the longitudinal central axis;
• contacting the first half of the optic to position the optic in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis;
• and
• applying a force to the second half of the optic in the direction transverse to the longitudinal central axis for securing the optic against substantial movement relative to the optic support structure.

An optic support structure comprising:

• a hollow interior with a longitudinal central axis;
• a support surface extending around said longitudinal central axis;
• a resilient member carried by the optic support structure configured to be moved outwardly transverse to said longitudinal central axis;
• and
• at least one transverse alignment seat projecting axially from said support surface, said transverse alignment seat and said resilient member configured to cooperate to secure an optic in said hollow interior of said optic support structure and to position the optic transverse to said longitudinal central axis.

An optic support structure comprising:

• a hollow interior with a longitudinal central axis;
• a first support surface extending around said longitudinal central axis;
• a resilient member carried by said optic support structure, said resilient member configured to be moved outwardly transverse to said longitudinal central axis;
• and
• first and second axial alignment seats arranged about said support surface, said first and second axial alignment seats configured to cooperate with said resilient member to secure an optic against substantial movement in said hollow interior of said optic support structure and to axially position an optic relative to said support surface.