Abstract: A method of aligning an optomechanical assembly and an optomechanical assembly are described.

Abstract: An interferometer system includes a plane mirror interferometer, a turning mirror, a retardation plate assembly having a retardation plate that can be adjusted and then fixed, and a retroreflector. A light beam travels in a path comprising the plane mirror interferometer, the turning mirror, the retardation plate assembly, and the retroreflector. The retardation plate assembly may include a plurality of bearings, a ring riding on the bearings, the retardation plate mounted to the ring, and a plunger pushing the ring against the bearings. The retardation plate may be fixed by adhesive after determining an orientation that produces little polarization leakage in the system.

Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.

Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.

Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.

Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper set of balls and a lower set of balls that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same coefficient of thermal expansion and the balls provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower set of balls maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and balls still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere.

Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.

Abstract: An optical device mounting apparatus and method for altering and fixing the angular position of an optical device without substantial linear displacement. The apparatus comprises a kinematic mount which permits precision adjustment and clamping. The apparatus includes a sphere, which either contains an optical device mounted therein or is, at least partially, an optical device itself. A support is placed in physical contact with the outer surface of the sphere such that angular displacement of the sphere is possible with substantially no linear displacement thereof. A clamp in physical contact with the outer surface of the sphere provides force through the sphere to the support with substantially no transmitted torque. In this manner, precise positioning of the optical device is possible, for example, with an external and removable tool.

Abstract: An optical system for an interferometer compensates for changes in temperature by incorporating optics in which the reference and measurement beams follow different but optically equivalent paths through optical elements that are in thermal equilibrium. The optical elements of the interferometer are so arranged that the reference beam and the measurement beam follow equivalent optical path lengths through the interferometer, whose elements are in thermal equilibrium. That is, the path lengths through the high refractive index media of the optics are the same length and refractive index, but do not follow the same path. Because the beams are not constrained to follow the same path, fewer optical elements are needed and shorter OPLs can be used resulting in less complexity, better optical efficiency, easier alignment and lower cost.