Machining a cooled cylindrical optic to compensate for pressure

Abstract

A system for, and a method of, replicating the known (i.e., ascertained) operational coolant fluid flow local pressure in an optical surface (such as a mirror surface) of the heat exchanger portion of a fluid cooled cylindrical optic. The system essentially comprises a precision numerically controlled lathe having a selectively rotatable spindle on which is mounted, with a hollow adapter, the cylindrical optic in which is retained a fluid connector that is in communication with the adapter which, in turn, is in communication with a source of pressurized fluid containing a fluid whose rate of flow and pressure can be regulated. The pressurized fluid flows serially into the adapter, the connector, and the cylindrical optic and its optical surface, thereby replicating the operational fluid flow pressure through the entire optical surface, without the prior art problem of pressure drops in and pressure deflection of the optical surface which, in turn caused residual finish figure machining error in the optical surface. As a result of the use of this system, and of the performance of the steps comprising the method of replicating the operational fluid flow pressure in the entire optical surface, this prior art residual finish figure machining error is eliminated or at least is significantly minimized.