Apparatus and method for efficiently transmitting optic energy from a reuseable optic element to a disposable optic element

摘要

Apparatus and method are provided to ensure efficient transmission of a light flux from a first optic element to a second optic element located close to but not in intimate contact therewith. This is accomplished by providing an intermediate element made of a light-transmissive conformable material which is disposed so as to be simultaneously pressed to both a light-transmitting surface of one element and a light-receiving surface of the second element. Selection of a suitable material for the conformable element ensures the desired optical transmissibility and intimate contact, and thereby significantly reduces Fresnel and other losses of the type normally encountered when two relatively hard optic elements cannot be placed in intimate contact with each other. Commercially available two-component silicone rubber materials are found to be suitable for forming the light-transmissive conformable optic element.