US 4,733,945 A · Precision lens mounting

Abstract

A precision lens mounting assembly which includes a plurality of lens cells and a plurality of lenses which correspond to the plurality of lens cells. The lens cells have an annular shape. Flexure means are disposed within the inner diameter of the lens cell which hold the lens in a predetermined spatial relation at a datum temperature to the lens cell. The flexure means return the lenses to this predetermined spatial relation following temperature excursions away from, then back to, the datum temperature. The outer diameter of the lens cells in the assembly are all substantially equal and substantially concentric about the optical axis of the lenses they hold. The upper and lower surfaces of the lens cell each have three or more precision surfaces disposed on a plane. The plane are perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens and have a predetermined spatial relation to the apex of the lens. Selected ones of the lens cells can be rotated, translated or moved axially with respect to the other lens cells in the lens assembly to correct for astigmatism, coma or spherical aberrations, respectively. Adhesive means are provided to hold the plurality of the lens cells together.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A precision lens mounting assembly comprising:

a plurality of lens cells;
a plurality of lenses corresponding to said plurality of lens cells;
said lens cells each having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, a top surface and a bottom surface;
flexure means disposed within the inner diameter of each of said plurality of lens cells to hold an individual lens in a predetermined spatial relation at a datum temperature to said inner diameter, said top surface and said bottom surface;
said flexure means returning said individual lens to said predetermined spatial relation following temperature excursions away from then back to said datum temperature;
the outer diameter of said plurality of lens cells being substantially equal to each other and substantially concentric about the optical axis of their respective individual lenses;
the upper and lower surfaces of each lens cell having three or more precision surfaces disposed on a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of said individual lens, said plane having a predetermined spatial relation to the vertex of said individual lens;
and
said plurality of lens cells forming a stack of lens cells substantially in contact at said precision surfaces.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Precision lens mounting

Life of this patent

Precision lens mounting

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27