Abstract: An optical component 100 adapted for attachment to an optical bench or submount has an alignment feature 310 that is used in the positioning of the optical component 100 relative to the optical bench. This alignment feature 310 is formed in an exterior wall 210 of the optical component. Further, according to the preferred embodiment, the alignment feature 310 has a re-entrant sidewall 320. This last characteristic facilitates the identification of precise location of the alignment by a vision system, for example, thus, allowing the accurate placement and installation of the optical component on the optical bench 10.