Mount for an optical instrument

摘要

A mount (2) for an optical instrument (4) such as a spherically mounted retro-reflector (SMR) is disclosed. The mount comprises a base (5) and a substantially annular shoulder (6) formed on the base (5) and defining a nest (8) for receiving the optical instrument (4). The shoulder (6) comprises at least one engagement feature (18) for engaging the optical instrument (4), a profile of the engagement feature (18) comprising a substantially continuous convex curve. The engagement feature (18) may for example comprise a ridge (18) having a convexly curved sectional profile and a concavely curved linear profile. In another embodiment the mount (2) also comprises a magnet (16) mounted in the base (5) for urging the optical instrument (4) into engagement with the nest (8), the magnet (16) being bonded to a support ring (22) that is fitted into the base (5).