Mounting and alignment structures for optical components allow optical components
to be connected to an optical bench and then subsequently aligned, i.e., either
passively or actively, in a manufacturing or subsequent calibration or recalibration,
alignment or realignment processes. The structures comprise quasi-extrusion portions.
This portion is "quasi-extrusion" in the sense that it has a substantially constant
cross section in a z-axis direction as would be yielded in an extrusion manufacturing
process. The structures further comprise at least one base, having a laterally-extending
base surface, and an optical component interface. At least one armature connects
the optical component interface with the base. In the preferred embodiment, the
base surface is securable to an optical bench.