Method and apparatus for precision polishing of optical components

A method for polishing objects, comprising:

• a. providing a polishing apparatus comprised of:
• i. a rotary positioning device comprising a turret rotatable around a turret axis;
• ii. a base for affixing structures thereto, the base mounted on the turret and comprising a plate having a surface defining a plane perpendicular to the turret axis;
• iii. a drive wheel connected to a rotatable shaft, the drive wheel having a perimeter, and the rotatable shaft disposed in a housing joined to the plate and having a rotational axis that is substantially parallel to the turret axis;
• and
• iv. a polishing wheel assembly comprising an elongated arm including a proximal end joined to the base, and a distal end;
• a rotatable polishing wheel supported at the distal end of the elongated arm, the rotatable polishing wheel having a perimeter;
• and a polishing belt comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface engageable with the perimeters of the drive wheel and the polishing wheel;
• b. contacting the outer surface of the polishing belt to a contact region of the surface of the object;
• and
• c. controlling the contact region by rotating the elongated arm around the turret axis.