Athermalized permanent-alignment optical-element mount

A method of mounting an optical element on a base-plate, comprising the steps of:

• attaching the optical element fixedly to an element-holding member;
• providing a pedestal for supporting the element-holding member, the pedestal having a platform-portion, the platform portion having spaced apart legs extending therefrom;
• attaching the pedestal to the base-plate via the spaced apart legs;
• placing the element holder on the platform-portion of the pedestal with a solder layer therebetween;
• applying heat to the platform-portion of the pedestal sufficient to soften the solder layer;
• aligning the element-holding member and the optical element therein on the platform-portion of the pedestal in the softened solder layer;
• and
• discontinuing the application of heat to the platform-portion of the pedestal, thereby allowing the solder layer to solidify and hold the element-holding member in the alignment on the platform portion of the pedestal.

A method of mounting an optical element to a base plate comprising the steps of:

• attaching a pedestal to the base plate, said pedestal having a planar platform, said pedestal including a cavity for receiving a heating element;
• attaching the optical element to an element holding member, the element holding member having a planar surface for mating with the platform of the pedestal;
• placing the planar surface of the element holding member into abutting relationship with the platform of the pedestal with an intermediate solder layer therebetween;
• inserting a heating element into the cavity of the pedestal to heat the pedestal and the solder layer an amount sufficient to permit the relative movement between the holding member and the pedestal so that optical element can be aligned;
• and
• discontinuing the heating of the solder layer to allow the solder layer to cool and fixing the position of the holding member with respect to the pedestal.