An optical element holding apparatus provided with a holding portion for holding a flange portion of an optical element. After receiving a signal at an input terminal of a test and measurement instrument, the signal is low-pass filtered and transmitted to trigger circuitry. An analog-to-digital converter is coupled to an output of the pre-emphasis filter. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner.