This present disclosure seals the light propagation path in an optical interconnection element from external contaminants. The optical interconnection element includes a reflective surface, which can also be sealed from external contaminants Additional novel concepts include all enclosed sealed regions of the optical interconnection element being fluidly connected and making the final seal of the optical interconnection element with a thin plate, which can bend reducing the pressure differential between the ambient environment and the sealed internal volume of the optical interconnection element.