ASSEMBLY OF COMPONENTS HAVING DIFFERENT COEFFICIENTS OF THERMAL EXPANSION

摘要

A component assembly includes a first component, such as an optical component, and a second component, such as a support component, having different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The component assembly also includes a spacer having a CTE matched to that of the first component, disposed between the first component and the second component. When the CTE of the first component is greater than that of the second component, the second component includes a protrusion, and the spacer includes a complementary opening for receiving the protrusion, such that a joint between the protrusion and the complementary opening is under compressive stress. The spacer also includes a mounting area for receiving the first component, and an air gap disposed between the first component and the protrusion.

主权项

1. An assembly of components having different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), the assembly comprising:
a first component having a first CTE; a second component having a second CTE different from the first CTE; and a spacer, disposed between the first component and the second component, having a third CTE substantially matched to the first CTE and different from the second CTE, the spacer including:
a mounting area for receiving the first component;one of a protrusion and a complementary opening for receiving the protrusion, wherein the second component includes the other one of the protrusion and the complementary opening, wherein the second component includes the protrusion and the spacer includes the complementary opening when the third CTE is greater than the second CTE, and wherein the spacer includes the protrusion and the second component includes the complementary opening when the third CTE is less than the second CTE, such that a joint between the protrusion and the complementary opening is under compressive stress; and an air gap, disposed between the first component and the protrusion.