Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating an array of aligned optical elements. A base tool is used to receive and align a planar material such as a glass sheet. A template tool is used to deposit secondary mirrors and adhesive patches onto the glass sheet. The adhesive patches are used to receive and mount primary mirrors. The primary mirrors are selectively held by an assembly tool. The primary mirrors are brought into alignment with the glass sheet by using actuators on the base tool and by using a registration mechanism to align the assembly tool with the glass sheet.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an array of aligned optical elements. In one embodiment, the optical elements include primary and secondary mirrors that are used to concentrate sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell for direct conversion of the sunlight into electricity. The array is formed using a front panel of plate glass or other transmissive material. The glass sheet is registered with a base tool. Subsequent tools are also registered with the base tool to deposit the primary and secondary mirrors for fabrication of the array.