(EN) Described is an optical device (10) having a thermally stabilized optical component (32) with temperature dependent optical characteristics. The device (10) includes a temperature dependent optical component (32) attached to a thermally conductive surface (35) maintained at a constant temperature. A thermal shield (40) attached to the thermally conductive surface (35) substantially surrounds the optical component (32) and insulates it from thermal sources located outside the shield (40). The device includes a housing (38) that encloses the temperature dependent optical component (32), thermally conductive surface (35), thermal shield (40) and, optionally, a low thermal conductivity gas. The thermal shield (40) and low thermal conductivity gas significantly reduce the radiant and the conductive heat transfer between the temperature dependent optical component (32) and other device components.