An assembly for fixing an optical element in a manner that decouples the optical element from mechanical stresses and thermal strains while providing freedom to facilitate alignment of the optical element, and while also eliminating polymers that can cause contamination problems including a mount configured for attachment to an optical system; a plurality of flexible members each having a first end affixed to or integrally extending from the mount, and a free end defining a bearing surface for supporting an optical element; and a polymer free bonding agent forming a hydroxide-catalyzed bond joining a surface of the optical member to the bearing surface. The optical element may be aligned with the flexible members without resting on the flexible members.