Cast optical bench

摘要

An optical bench (10) is cast from a single piece of material and provided with a number of optical component supports (14) which extend upwardly from a base (12). The optical component supports (14) are integral with the base (12), increasing their rigidity. The bench (10) may be cast with additional material in strategic areas to allow for future optimization of the bench (10) ۥfor example, the mounting of specific optical components throughout the bench (10). Further, the bench (10) may be provided with regions (24), (26), and (28) of varying rigidity by placing support struts (68) closer together in areas where greater rigidity is required. Apertures (30) may be provided in the bench (10) to enable the routing of conduits through the bench (10).