Optical Element Unit And Method Of Supporting An Optical Element

An optical element unit, the optical element unit comprising:

• an optical element;
• a connector element;
• and
• an optical element holder having a plane of main extension and an outer circumference and defining a radial direction,
• wherein:
• the connector element connects the optical element and the optical element holder;
• the connector element comprises a first connector part connected to the optical element at the outer circumference;
• the connector element comprises a second connector part connected to the optical element holder;
• the first and second connector parts are connected via a coupling part;
• the coupling part is compliant in the radial direction;
• the first connector part comprises a contact part with a contact element;
• the first connector part is connected to the optical element at a contact location via the contact element;
• and
• the contact location extends over 5% to 10% of the outer circumference of the optical element.

A method of supporting an optical element, the method comprising:

• connecting the optical element and the optical element holder via a connector element, wherein:
• the optical element has a plane of main extension as well as an outer circumference and defining a radial direction;
• the connector element is compliant in the radial direction;
• the connector part comprises a first connector part connected to the optical element at the outer circumference;
• the first connector part comprises a contact part comprising a contact element;
• the first connector part is connected to the optical element at a contact location via the at least one contact element;
• and
• the contact location extends over 5% to 10% of the outer circumference of the optical element.

An optical element unit comprising:

• an optical element;
• a connector element;
• and
• an optical element holder having a plane of main extension as well as an outer circumference and defining a radial direction,
• wherein:
• the connector element connects the optical element and the optical element holder;
• the connector element comprises a first connector part connected to the optical element at the outer circumference;
• the connector element comprises a second connector part connected to the optical element holder;
• the first and second connector parts are connected via a coupling part;
• the coupling part is compliant in the radial direction;
• the first connector part comprises a contact part comprises a plurality of contact elements;
• and
• the first connector part is connected to the optical element at a contact location via the plurality of contact elements.