Fabrication process and system for neutron refractive optics

The authors developed a new fabrication process and system for neutron refractive optics, and propose a new design for Fresnel lens refracting cold-neutron beam in this paper. Applying the ultraprecision electrolytic in-process dressing (ELID) micro-grinding technique using cast-iron-bonded diamond wheels with edges sharpened by electrical and mechanical processes, the authors successfully fabricated the required element with sharp and smooth V-faced Fresnel structures using quartz glass or MgF2 glass. The relationship of the form accuracy of the fabricated Fresnel lens and changes in grinding wheel shape is also discussed.