A method for positioning and fixing optical components relative to one another which comprises the steps of providing a carrier plate having an optical component, securing an optical component on a retainer plate having at least one solderable area, positioning the retainer plate above the carrier plate with a reference mark on said plates being aligned and the solderable area on each of the two plates being disposed in aligned pairs of solderable areas, applying at least one solder piece to each pair of solderable areas as the plates are held in the position, melting the solder pieces, allowing the molten metal to solidify to secure the aligned plates together and then releasing the secured aligned plates.