Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprises one holding component which holds two or more prisms and an image pickup element. As for the holding component, a prism holding portion and an image pickup element holding portion are formed in one component. At the prism holding portion, an opening is formed. At the image pickup element, the image pickup element holding portion is fixed. Each prism is fixed to the holding component from the both sides of the holding component by fitting a projected portion into a penetration hole, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to an objective pivoting device (1) for pivoting an objective which is concentrically arranged in said device, about two perpendicular swiveling axes (A—A; M—M) which cross each other at a common apex in the optical axis of the objective. The inventive device comprises pivoting adjustment means (20, 21) which are respectively provided with a cable drive having three cable sections (20A–20C; 21A–21C), the first cable section (20A, 21A) extending from an adjustment axle coil (22A, 23A) to the first of the bearing elements (15, 40), the second section (20B, 21B) extending from said first bearing element to a second bearing element (15, 40) which is coaxial in relation to the first, and the third cable section (20C, 21C) returning from said second bearing element to a second coil (22B, 23B) of the adjustment axle (22C, 23C) of the pivoting adjustment means (20, 21).

Abstract: A lens tilt adjusting mechanism includes a lens frame to which at least one lens element is fixed, a lens frame holder which holds the lens frame, axially-opposed radial surfaces formed on the lens frame and the lens frame holder, respectively, a biasing device for biasing the lens frame and the lens frame holder in directions to make the axially-opposed radial surfaces contact each other, and a protrusion formed on one of the axially-opposed radial surfaces and a recess formed on the other of the axially-opposed radial surfaces. The axially-opposed radial surfaces are in intimate contact with each other when the protrusion and the recess are engaged with each other, and the lens frame tilts relative to the lens frame holder when the protrusion is disengaged from the recess so that the protrusion is in contact with the other of the axially-opposed radial surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a temperature compensation device for optical instruments which comprises a lens assembly, motor means for rotating the lens assembly about the optical axis thereof, kinematic means for producing rectilinear motion of the lens assembly in response to the rotary motion of the lens assembly, and means for determining the linear displacement and therefore the actual linear position of the lens assembly. Additionally, the device comprises thermometric means, e.g. a temperature detector, which measures the temperature of the environment and transmits the temperature to a processor which controls the actual linear position of the lens assembly through an electronic circuit. The relationship between the temperature detector reading and the corresponding desired linear position is defined by memorized means, preferably by a LUT (look-up table) or, e.g., through optimization on a sensor (ccd, IR, etc.) output (picture).

Abstract: A lens system including a first lens and a second lens is provided. The first lens has a first outer loop and at least a protrusiondisposed on the first outer loop of the first lens. In addition, the second lens is lodged to the first lens. The second lens has a second outer loop and at least a recess disposed on the second outer loop of the second lens. The first outer loop is leant to the second outer loop, and the protrusion is lodged to the recess. Accordingly, the first lens and the second lens have an excellent alignment precision.

Abstract: A lens apparatus which is easy to assemble, provides high strength at the flange portion, and achieves high degree of design freedom, too, is disclosed. The lens apparatus comprises first and second members. The first member has a guide portion to guide the member straight ahead in an optical axis direction. The second member is arranged outside the first member and has a circumferential wall, on which an engaging portion for guiding the guide portion is formed. An opening portion is also formed at the end of the optical axis direction of the second member at a different position from the engaging portion and connected with the engaging portion. The opening portion takes the guide portion in and out with respect to the second member.

Abstract: A projection lens movement-adjusting apparatus comprises an adjusting module and a projection lens module. The adjusting module comprises a fixed support, an adjusting rod, a sliding seat and a fixing portion. The adjusting rod is pivoted to the fixed support. The sliding seat is mounted inside the fixed support and screwed to the adjusting rod. A fixing portion is disposed on one side of the sliding seat. The projection lens module is composed of projection lens and the linking unit fixed to one side of the projection lens, and a protruding board is on one side of the linking unit and is fixed firmly to the fixing unit and hence the projection lens module can be connected with the sliding seat.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a device including a first optical table, a second optical table, and at least one optical mount coupled to the first and second optical tables and configured to support at least one optical component. The first optical table is positioned on a first plane, while the second optical table is positioned on a second plane that is different from the first plane.

Abstract: In the case of a lens system (1), in particular in the case of a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography, it is possible to exchange at least one optical element, in particular the final optical element in the beam direction in the form of an end plate (3). For adjusting the exchangeable optical element (3), an optical quality fit with a fitting surface (6) is set between the optical element (3) and a mount (5) or a part connected to a mount (5).

Abstract: In an optical unit having a holding structure which brings a junk ring or the like into contact with an optical surface of a lens, the optical surface suffers from a serious elastic deformation leading to deterioration of optical performance. Upon holding the lens, therefore, a face other than the optical surface is provided on the lens so that the lens is held by applying a force to the face from element holding members.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus (100) of an optical unit includes an optical component positioning jig (300) that has a plurality of holders for holding a plurality of optical components and is positioned at a designed predetermined position of the plurality of optical component, and a table (200) that holds an optical component casing so that a part of the optical component positioning jig (300) can be inserted into an opening formed on the optical component casing.

Abstract: A lens mount for viewfinder cameras, having a distance setting ring and, coupled thereto, an apparatus for transmitting the set distance to the setting lever of a measuring viewfinder arranged on the camera side. The apparatus contains an outer worm connected to the distance setting ring, an inner worm, inserted in said outer worm and guided rectilinearly in the lens mount, and a cam ring rotatably supported in the inner worm and with an axial cam pointing to the camera on the end face, is characterized in that the cam ring is locked into an annular groove in the inner wall of the inner worm and is provided with preferably two pins which point radially outward over the edge of the inner worm at the end of the camera side, and which engage in each case in an axial groove in the outer worm.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus illuminates a pattern on an original form, introduces light from the pattern to a plate, and exposes the plate. The exposure apparatus includes at least one optical element, and forcing member that applies a force to the at least one optical element in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A lens barrel holding apparatus includes a first holding member, a second holding member attached to the first holding member in an openable/closable manner for fastening a lens barrel in cooperation with the first holding member to hold the lens barrel and a fastening mechanism for applying a force for fastening the lens barrel, to the second holding member. The fastening mechanism includes an engagement surface provided on the second holding member and a fastening member provided on the first holding member, adapted to move straightly toward/away from the engagement surface, and having a contact surface that can be in contact with the engagement surface. At least one of the contact surface and the engagement surface is slanted with respect to the movement direction of the fastening member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the structure of and methods of constructing indicating instruments with slim profiles. The indicating instrument comprises a meter movement and a circuit board. The main body of the meter movement is situated in an aperture in the circuit board. With this placement, the front end of the body of the meter movement extends a distance in front of the circuit board and the back end of the meter movement body extends a distance behind the circuit board. Through appropriate selection and arrangement of any components on the circuit board, the circuit board can be constructed such that none of its components extend beyond the distance that the meter movement extends on either side of the circuit board. In this manner the space needed for the meter movement and the circuit board and its components collapses into the same area. A light plate may be added to the circuit board and meter movement. The light plate provides a structural framework for the indicating instrument.

Abstract: An optical element retracting mechanism includes a linearly movable ring; a swingable holder supported inside the linearly movable ring; a position-controller holding the swingable holder; an internal optical element positioned inside the linearly movable ring on one of opposite sides of a retractable optical element; a pair of parallel flat surfaces located on the linearly movable ring, each extending generally orthogonal to the optical axis and respectively positioned on front and rear sides of the internal optical element, the pair of parallel flat surfaces not overlapping a second optical element in the optical axis direction; a through-hole formed on the linearly movable ring so as to be open at the pair of parallel flat surfaces in the optical axis direction, the pivot being positioned in the through hole; and a pair of support plates attached to the pair of parallel flat surfaces to support the pivot.

Abstract: Compact beam manipulators employ one or more Risley prism sets with or without a parallel plate translator. One beam manipulator contains a plate mounted to permit pitch and yaw adjustments and a prism set mounted to permit rotations. The rotations of the prisms adjust a beam direction, and adjustment of the plate adjusts the beam position. Another beam manipulator contains a prism set mounted to permit rotations and pitch and yaw adjustments of the prisms. The rotations and pitch and yaw adjustments provide coupled changes in the position and direction of a beam, and iterative adjustments alternate between rotating prisms to change the beam direction and the adjusting pitch and yaw to change the beam position. The iterative adjustments are complete when the beam has a target position and a target direction to within required tolerances. Gluing elements to optic holders minimizes stress-induced birefringence and temperature and humidity effects.

Abstract: A retainer for holding an optical element includes a detector for detecting a deformation amount of the optical element, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the deformation of the optical element based on the deformation amount.

Abstract: A method for improving imaging properties of two or more optical elements comprises the step of determining for at least one of the two optical elements a polarization-dependent perturbation. In a further step a polarization-independent perturbation is determined for at least one of the two optical elements. Then a target position for the at least one movable optical element is calculated such that, in the target position, the total perturbation of the at least two optical elements which is made up of the polarization-dependent perturbations and polarization-independent perturbations of the two optical elements, is minimized. Finally the at least one movable optical element is moved the to the calculated target position.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading an image comprises an original mounting table for mounting an original, a first carriage which has a light source for irradiating light to the original and an optical system for guiding original-image light reflected from the original, and which moves along the original mounting table, a lens unit having a lens into which the original-image light enters and placed immediately under a passage on which the first carriage moves, a CCD assembly for receiving the original-image light passed through the lens and reading an image corresponding to the original-image light, a lens bracket cover having a bracket portion to which the CCD assembly is attached and a cover portion for covering the lens unit, and a lens base having the bracket portion of the lens bracket cover attached thereto, for supporting the lens unit.

Abstract: A device for controlling the projection lens shift in a projector is provided, and includes a projection lens module which enlarges and projects an incident light on a screen, a sliding bracket which supports the projection lens module, a fixed bracket which slidably supports the sliding bracket, a shift unit positioned between the fixed bracket and the sliding bracket selectively to slide the sliding bracket up and down according to its rotating direction, and an elastic unit provided at a lower part of the projection lens module elastically to support the projection lens module.

Abstract: A method of making a high reflectivity micro mirror. A first step involves providing a monolithic bulk crystal silicon having an anisotropic body with a crystalline plane. A second step involves applying chemical agents to selectively remove a portion of the body overlying the crystalline plane to expose a portion of the crystalline plane. Crystalline planes that are present in monolithic bulk crystal silicon have an inherent smoothness which is on an atomic level. The underlying teaching of the present invention is that, instead of attempting to polish or otherwise smooth the surface of the silicon, one should merely expose all or a selected portion of the crystalline plane and use the exposed portion of the crystalline plane as a mirror surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simple and compact optical element holding system in a projection optical system which enables correction of astigmatism without causing comatic aberration. The holding system includes a relative angle adjusting system for tilting one of at least two optical elements with respect to an optical axis, and a tilt angle adjusting system for tilting the at least two optical elements integrally, by the same amount as and in an opposite direction to the tilt direction of the relative angle adjusting system, with respect to the optical axis and separately from the relative angle adjusting system.

Abstract: To the female helicoidal screw of the lens barrel (outer barrel body), there is always imparted a biasing force from a plurality of looseness eliminating springs formed on the outside peripheral portion of the lens barrel (inner barrel body) which are integrally supported on the lens barrel (inner barrel body), by means of the male helicoidal screw, and the male helicoidal screw is slid while being thrusted against the female helicoidal screw.

Abstract: An optical pick-up allows a lens to be supported at high dimensional accuracy for a high-density recording medium, and suppresses resonance for a high-speed access. The optical pick-up includes a supporting shaft, and a lens holder which fits on a supporting shaft rotatably, wherein the supporting shaft is formed of ceramics containing zirconia, and wherein the lens holder is formed of a liquid crystal resin composition. The optical-pickup includes a lens holder having a shaft hole which fits on a rotating shaft and a plurality of object lens holes, wherein the lens holder is a molded product of a resin composition of a liquid crystal resin or a polyphenylene ether resin mixed with a fibrous filler. The molded product has flexural elastic modulus of 10 GPa or more. The lens holder includes a bearing part formed vertically to a lens receiving surface with an excellent inner diameter roundness and excellent mechanical strength.

Abstract: A positioning device disposes an optical component with respect to an optical axis. The positioning device has a lens carrier (14) for housing the lens (18) or other optical component, a mount (12) supporting the lens carrier along the optical axis, the lens carrier movable within the mount in at least one direction. An extended member is coupled to the lens carrier for setting the position of the carrier within the mount. A movable cam urges the extended member to effect movement in the at least one direction.

Abstract: A coupling lens couples a beam emitted from a light source. A light deflector deflects the beam from the coupling lens at a uniform angular velocity. A line-image imaging optical system is disposed between the coupling lens and light deflector, and causes the beam to image a line image long along main scanning directions on or in the vicinity of a deflection reflective surface of the light deflector. A scanning and imaging optical system causes the beam deflected by the light deflector to image a beam spot on a medium to be scanned. In an optical housing, the light source, coupling lens, light deflector, line-image imaging optical system and scanning and imaging optical system are disposed, and contained. A plurality of holding and fixing locations are provided for holding and fixing a light-source part including the light source and coupling lens is provided in at least one of the light-source part and optical housing.

Abstract: An improved adjustable convergence device for adjusting the position of a pixel light modulator of a projector comprising at least two such light modulators mounted on the frame of the projector, said convergence device comprising a plate assembly which is fixed on said supporting frame and which supports the light modulator to be adjusted, wherein said plate assembly is composed of at least two plate elements, respectively a plate element which is fixed to the supporting frame and a plate element on which the light modulator is fixed, whereby these plate elements are connected to each other by means of at least one elastic joint and whereby at least first self-locking adjusting means are provided for transmitting a force in an adjusting direction between these plate elements in order to adjust the relative position between said plate elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a light beam having a first lens element, a second lens element, a spacer element and a lubricative optical fluid. The first lens element has a convex lens surface. The second lens element has a concave lens surface. The concave lens surface is placed adjacent the convex lens surface of the first lens element. The spacer element is placed between the convex lens surface and the concave lens surface for maintaining the first and second lens elements at a fixed distance from each other. The spacer element also defines a generally incompressible gap between the first and second lens elements, yet allows the first and second lens elements to move with respect to one another. The lubricative optical fluid is disposed within the gap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mirror holding system by which aberration resulting from deformation or positional deviation of an optical member, causing degradation of imaging performance, can be reduced whereby a desired optical performance is assured. Also disclosed is an exposure apparatus and a device manufacturing method based on such mirror holding system. The holding system includes a supporting member for supporting the optical element at a plurality of supports which are movable along an approximately radial direction about a predetermined point.

Abstract: An objective lens driver comprises an objective lens, a lens holder, a plurality of support members for supporting the lens holder in such a manner as to enable the objective lens to move along the focusing direction and along the tracking direction, a drive means for driving the lens holder, a fixing member provided with a viscoelastic member formed to hold each support member, each support member including a linear section linearly formed to connect to viscoelastic member provided in the fixing member and to the lens holder, and at least one arm branching from somewhere between the ends of each linear section so as to reduce resonance of each support member generated when the lens holder is driven by the drive means.

Abstract: An optical part linkage device in which a threaded portion and positioning protrusions are formed at the outer periphery of a lens barrel that holds a lens. A threaded portion that can be screwed to the threaded portion of the lens barrel is provided at the inner wall surface of the holder to which a CCD package is mounted, with a plurality of positioning recesses being formed at an end of the threaded portion of the holder. After rotating a grip portion of the lens barrel in order to link the lens barrel to the holder by the threaded portions, the grip portion is turned bit by bit in order to position the protrusions with respect to the recesses by shifting them one at a time. When the rotation of the grip portion is stopped in correspondence with an optimal focal location, the protrusions engage the recesses of the holder. In this state, the protrusions do not separate from the recesses of the holder unless a strong force is applied thereto, so that the state of engagement is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical lens holder comprising a supporting means and a first and a second arm defining a lens holder general plane, first and second arms being relatively movable with regards to each other and each arm having spaced apart first and second end portions and an intermediate portion, the arms being mounted on the supporting means through their first end portions and the second end portions of each arm comprising an optical lens accommodating means facing each other, whereby an optical lens can be maintained within the accommodating means of the first and second arms with its optical axis orthogonal to the general plane of the lens holder through at least one, preferably one or two contact points between the lens periphery and each of the first and second lens accommodating means, wherein at least the second end portion of each arm comprises a material having a dielectric constant at 1 MHz equal to or higher than the dielectric constant of the optical lens material.

Abstract: In an apparatus for positioning an optical element in a structure, particularly in an objective housing of a projection objective for microlithography, the optical element is connected to the structure via fastening elements. The position of the optical element is set by means of adjusting fasteners. The fastening elements are arranged in such a way and the adjusting fasteners can be actuated in such a way that the optical element can be tilted about three mutually independent axes and can additionally be displaced in a translatory fashion in one axial direction.

Abstract: A lens fixing structure for an optical module of a scanner, a multi-function printer, a fax machine or a copy machine is disclosed. The lens fixing structure for an optical module of a scanner, a multi-function printer, a fax machine or a copy machine, wherein the optical module has a housing, and the lens fixing structure is installed on the housing, includes a slot structure for placing and fixing a lens therein, wherein the slot structure includes a first slot wall positioned on the housing; and a second slot wall positioned on the housing and being parallel to the first slot wall, wherein the second slot wall is perpendicular to a surface of the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel fixing plate as an optical modulation device retainer having a substantially c-shaped fixing section body viewed from the top, an arm section formed at a tip side of the fixing section body, a pin protruding from the arm section, and a spring member biasing an emission-side polarization plate as an optical conversion element with respect to the fixing section body. Liquid crystal panels, each as light modulators, are securely fixed to a panel fixing plate with the pin inserted into each corresponding hole. The emission-side polarization plate can be inserted into the substantially c-shaped fixing section body when viewed from the top so as to be biased and fixed to the fixing section body by the spring member. An optical modulation device retainer, an optical device, and a projector of this invention, light modulators and/or optical conversion elements can be exchanged with ease, and the reworkability can be improved.

Abstract: A color lighting apparatus and method which has a small optical apparatus or method illuminating color beams with a high optical efficiency and an image projection apparatus and method using the same. The color lighting apparatus includes a light source, a color beam separating unit for separating incident light according to predetermined wavelength bands, a first condensing lens which condenses the light separated by the color beam separating unit, and a scrolling unit which changes the travel paths of beams separated according to the predetermined wavelength bands, forms color bars at different locations, and scrolls the incident light so as to periodically scroll the color bars.

Abstract: In order to provide a positioning device for the exact positioning of a first optical component relative to a second optical component, with which optical components may be positioned relative to one another in an exact and permanent manner and which allows, in addition, relatively simple adjustment, it is suggested that the positioning device comprise a first fixing element and at least one second fixing element which are guided relative to one another by a guide means such that they can be moved towards one another essentially only in a clamping direction and that the positioning device have at least one support element arranged between them, the position of which relative to the fixing elements can be adjusted in at least one direction transversely to the clamping direction and can be fixed between the fixing elements by way of clamping and that the optical components be held on different ones of the elements adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: An adjustable lens is disclosed for use in an optical profilometer system. The adjustable lens includes a plurality of elements that are mutually spaced from another in a first position and provides a first focal point for an incident electromagnetic field having a first frequency incident at a first angle with respect to the plurality of elements. The adjustable lens also includes an actuation unit for changing the focal point of the plurality of elements to provide a second focal point for the incident electromagnetic field having the first frequency incident at the first angle with respect to the plurality of elements.

Abstract: A transmission device for a 2D image display module includes rods in the box, a transmission element slidably mounted around the rods, a motor in the box and having a disk rotatably connected to a motor shaft, a driving rod eccentrically formed on top of the disk and a driving board provided with a slot defined to receive therein the driving rod, wherein distal ends of the transmission element are securely connected to the driving board, and a securing member securely connected to the transmission element to be adapted to connect to either the backboard or the lens. Rotation of the driving rod is able to drive the driving board to move, which drives the lens to move opposite to the driving board so that the image is revealed as a result of relative movement between the backboard and the lens.

Abstract: An optical element holding device includes a ring body for accommodating an optical element and a drive mechanism for driving the optical element. The ring body has an inner ring portion, which engages with a peripheral edge of the optical element, and an outer ring portion integral with the inner ring portion. The drive mechanism includes an actuator, a displacement increasing mechanism and a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism transfers displacement of the actuator to the inner ring and moves the inner ring axially.

Abstract: A support for adjusting the line of sight of a night vision monocular. The support has a shelf that is supported relative to a user's eyes and a flange that is coupled to the shelf and rotatable relative to the shelf. The support also has a shaft supporting the monocular. The shaft is coupled to the flange for tilting the monocular relative to the shelf concurrently with a rotation of the flange. The support also has a tilt control means coupled to the flange for applying an axial force to the flange to control the rotation of the flange and the tilting of the monocular.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating viewing of a display indicia displayed upon a user display of a portable communication device, such as a cellular mobile station. An optical lens that exhibits a selected magnification level is positioned to overlay the user display. A mounting arm engages with the optical lens and with the portable communication device to affix the optical lens so that when the user of the communication device views the user display, the display indicia displayed thereon is magnified by the optical lens.

Abstract: An optical path adjusting device comprises a hollow cylindrical mount having a center axis in alignment with an optical path of a light beam and an optical parallel mounted on the hollow cylindrical barrel so as to intersect the optical path of the light beam at a specified angle of intersection. The hollow cylindrical barrel is supported so as to rotate about an original optical path of the light beam, thereby causing a displacement of an optical path of said light beam coming out of the optical parallel close to or away from the original optical path of the light beam.

Abstract: A kinematic optical mounting assembly secures an optical element to a base. A plurality of first bracket assemblies and second bracket assemblies are secured to the base and engage the optical element. Each first bracket assembly constrains the optical element from movement relative to the base in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the base. Each second bracket assembly constrains the optical element from movement relative to the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the base and substantially tangential to a periphery of the base. Six independent bracket assemblies constrain the optical element in six degrees of freedom to provide kinematic constraint without bending moments.

Abstract: An apparatus to drive a blade on which an objective lens is mounted including a first electromagnetic unit to generate a first electromagnetic force and a second electromagnetic unit to generate a second electromagnetic force such that when the first and second magnitudes are the same, the blade is driven in a focus direction, and when the magnitudes are different, the blade is driven in a tilt direction. Accordingly, a tilt error can be actively controlled so that a laser beam is incident on a disk in a precise direction therefore improving the qualities of recording and reproducing data. In addition, tilt control is performed by using a focus adjustment mechanism so that an additional mechanism to control tilt is not required. As a result, the size and weight of the apparatus to drive the objective lens of the optical pickup are reduced.

Abstract: An improved optical module mounted body is disclosed. The optical module mounted body comprising: a mounting board having a mounting surface with a plurality of holes formed thereon; an optical module placed on the mounting surface; and a securing member configured to secure the optical module, the securing member including an upper portion, a plurality of legs extending from the upper portion and a plurality of engagement portions formed at ends of the plurality of legs, wherein the optical module is held between the mounting board and the securing member such that the upper portion of the securing member abuts on an upper surface of the optical module, and wherein the plurality of legs are inserted in the plurality of holes, the plurality of engagement portion engaging with the mounting board.

Abstract: A system for prolonging the useful lifetime of an optical element upon which a laser is directed includes a holder adapted for mounting an optical element and a motor for rotating the holder upon which the optical element may be mounted such that when a laser beam impinges on the optical element, a point of impingement of the laser beam on the optical element is varied when the point of impingement of the laser beam on the optical element is radially separated from an axis of rotation of the optical element.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a plurality of lens groups, and a cam barrel having a cam groove formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The cam barrel includes a first barrel having the cam groove on an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a second barrel which is fitted on a front part of an outer peripheral surface of the first barrel, the first barrel and second barrel being movable in the optical axis direction with a predetermined clearance provided therebetween in the optical axis direction while being rotatable together about the optical axis, so that an external force applied to the zoom lens from the outside of the zoom lens is transmitted to the first barrel via the second barrel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-piece apparatus for holding and aligning the MEMS deformable mirror. The two-piece apparatus comprises a holding plate for fixedly holding an adaptive optics element in an overall optical system and a base spatially fixed with respect to the optical system and adapted for mounting and containing the holding plate. The invention further relates to a means for configuring the holding plate through adjustments to each of a number of off-set pads touching each of three orthogonal plane surfaces on the base, wherein through the adjustments the orientation of the holding plate, and the adaptive optics element attached thereto, can be aligned with respect to the optical system with six degrees of freedom when aligning the plane surface of the optical element. The mounting system thus described also enables an operator to repeatedly remove and restore the adaptive element in the optical system without the need to realign the system once that element has been aligned.