Optical mount

1. An optical mount comprising:

a) a component support for an optical component;

b) a clamp member;

c) a frame having:

(i) a component support interface that, when positioned against the component support, defines a first spherical curvature for pivoting the component support about a center of curvature,

wherein the component support has a continuous spherical surface having the first spherical curvature;

(ii) a clamping interface that defines a second spherical curvature, concentric with the center of curvature of the component support interface, for pivoting the clamp member;

and

d) a coupling that is configured to urge the clamp member and the component support against the frame.

2. The optical mount of claim 1 wherein the optical component is formed on the component support.

3. The optical mount of claim 1 wherein the clamp member has a spherical surface having the second spherical curvature.

4. The optical mount of claim 1 wherein the coupling is an integral part of the clamp member.

5. The optical mount of claim 1 wherein one or more of the component support interface and the clamping interface provide contact of a spherical surface against three point-contacts.

6. The optical mount of claim 1 wherein the frame has a channel and wherein the channel has an axis that extends between the component support interface and the clamping interface.

7. The optical mount of claim 6 further comprising one or more adjustment members configured to apply an urging force in a direction orthogonal to the axis for fixing component position.

8. The mount of claim 6 wherein the axis of the channel extends in parallel with a mounting surface that is defined by the component support.

9. An optical mount comprising:

a) a frame having a first concave surface and a second convex surface opposite the first concave surface and having a channel extending through the frame between the first and second surfaces;

b) a pivotable component support for an optical component, the component support having a convex base surface and having a tubular shaft formed to extend into the channel of the frame when the convex base surface is seated against the first concave surface of the frame; and

c) a clamping member that is configured with an extending portion that fits within the tubular shaft of the pivotable component support, wherein the clamping member has a concave clamping surface that is featured for coupling against the second convex surface of the frame.

10. The optical mount of claim 9 further comprising a fastener that extends through the tubular shaft and couples the clamping member to the pivotable component support within the channel.

11. The optical mount of claim 9 wherein the first concave surface of the frame is conical.

12. The optical mount of claim 9 wherein the first concave surface of the frame is spherical.

13. The optical mount of claim 9 wherein the first concave surface of the frame provides a three-point contact that is configured to seat the pivotable component support.

14. The optical mount of claim 9 wherein the channel is circularly cylindrical and symmetric about an axis and wherein the axis is parallel to a surface of the optical component when mounted in the component support.

15. The optical mount of claim 9 wherein the optical component is formed on the component support.

16. The optical mount of claim 9 further comprising a fastener extending through the channel and disposed to urge the component support towards the clamping member.

17. A method for mounting an optical component, the method comprising:

providing a frame having:

(i) a component support interface that defines a first spherical curvature for pivoting a component support about a center of curvature,

wherein the component support has a continuous spherical surface having the first spherical curvature;

(ii) a clamping interface that defines a second spherical curvature, concentric with the first spherical curvature, for pivoting a clamp member;

(iii) a channel along an axis extending between the component support interface and the clamping interface;

pivoting the component support to a rotational position for the optical component;

urging the component support toward the clamp member by tightening a coupling that extends through the channel; and

fixing an angular position of the component support by an adjustment that directs a force that is orthogonal to the axis.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein tightening the coupling comprises adjusting a compression spring.