Non-adhesive mounting assembly for a tall ROCHON polarizer

An elongated rectangular Rochon polarizer, e.g., having a height to width or depth ratio of at least 2.5, is securely held in a non-adhesive mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of compression elements that press the Rochon polarizer against corresponding reference points to properly align the Rochon polarizer within the mounting assembly. Moreover, air gaps between the Rochon polarizer and the sidewalls of the mounting assembly are provided to minimize thermal conduction between the mounting assembly and the Rochon polarizer and to provide thermal convection to cool the Rochon polarizer, thereby reducing risk of catastrophic delamination of the Rochon polarizer due to thermal effects.