Graphite composite panel polishing fixture and assembly

Abstract

A polishing fixture assembly for an optical element includes a first composite panel, a second composite panel, and a core member sandwiched between the first composite panel and the second composite panel and coupling the first composite panel to the second composite panel. At least one mirror mounting insert is coupled to each of the first and second composite panels.

1 . A polishing fixture assembly for an optical element comprising:
 a first composite panel;   a second composite panel;   a core member sandwiched between the first composite panel and the second composite panel, and coupling the first composite panel to the second composite panel; and   at least one mirror mounting insert coupled to each of the first and second composite panels.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second composite panels comprises a composite graphite material. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the core member comprises aluminum honeycomb core structure. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the inserts are bonded to each of the first and second composite panels. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the insert includes an internal thread. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more pitch buttons coupled to one of the first or second composite panels and configured to support the optical element under fabrication. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the optical element comprises a mirror. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the mirror is a three-meter mirror. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of each of the first panel and the second panel is approximately 900 millimeters. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the panel is approximately 1/16 inches. 
     
     
         11 . A polishing assembly for an optical element, comprising:
 a polishing machine having a working surface; and   a grinding/polishing fixture, wherein the optical element is positioned between the polishing machine and the grinding/polishing fixture;   at least one pitch button positioned on a surface of the grinding/polishing fixture between the grinding/polishing fixture and the optical element;   a lift interface coupled to a first side of the grinding/polishing fixture for coupling the grinding/polishing fixture to the polishing machine;   a mirror mount insert coupled to a second side of the grinding/polishing fixture for coupling the optical element to the grinding/polishing fixture; and   wherein the grinding/polishing fixture comprises:
 a first composite panel; 
 a second composite panel; and 
 a core member sandwiched between the first composite panel and the second composite panel, and coupling the first composite panel to the second composite panel. 
   
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the optical element is configured in a face-down orientation relative to the working surface of the polishing machine. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the optical element is configured in a face-up orientation relative to the working surface of the polishing machine.