Apparatus and method for isolating optics from thermal expansion

Abstract

An apparatus that reduces convergence and focus drift in imager prism assemblies includes at least one assembly having a first side and a second side. The first side communicates with a first isolator inner surface and a second side communicates with a second isolator inner surface. An outer surface of the first isolator communicates with a first member of a frame. An outer surface of the second isolator communicates with a top side of a damping member. A bottom side of the damping member communicates with a second member of the frame. There is at least one guide pin located through the first isolator and the first member. A first adhesive secures the first side to the first isolator inner surface and the first adhesive secures the second side to the second isolator inner surface. A second adhesive secures the first isolator outer surface to the first member and the second adhesive secures the second isolator outer surface with the top side. A third adhesive secures the bottom side to the second member and a bottom end of the first and second isolator communicates with a plate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.