US 8,570,675 B1 · Kinematic optical device mount

Abstract

An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An optical mount comprising:

a housing;
a pair of optical element retainer clamps mechanically coupled to the housing, wherein the optical element retainer clamps are configured to receive and secure a first side of an optical element at respective first securement points on a major surface of the optical element, adjacent to a first edge of the optical element that is along the first side;
a whiffletree retainer clamp mechanically coupled to the housing, wherein the optical element retainer clamps are configured to receive and secure a second side of an optical element at a pair of second securement points on the major surface;
and
a whiffletree retainer that is configured to press against at least two points along a second edge of the optical element that is along the second side;
wherein the whiffletree retainer clamp mechanically couples the whiffletree retainer to the housing;
and
wherein the whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable relative to the optical element retainer clamps and the whiffletree retainer clamp.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Kinematic optical device mount

Life of this patent

Kinematic optical device mount

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20