Apparatus and method for processing the components of a neutron lens

Abstract

A rotating table that holds a flat neutron lens component and rotates about an axis of rotation Z, a circular-disk type of metal-bonded grinding wheel with tapering surface on the outer periphery thereof, a grinding wheel driving device drives and rotates the grinding wheel around the axis A thereof, an electrode with a surface close to the single tapering surface or the plurality of tapering surfaces of the grinding wheel, a power source that applies an electrolytic voltage between the grinding wheel and the electrode, and a grinding fluid feeder that supplies a conducting grinding fluid between the grinding wheel and the electrode are provided. The angle of the tapering surface of the grinding wheel is formed to be more acute than the angle of a V-shaped groove to be formed on the surface of the neutron lens component, the axis of the grinding wheel is positioned at an oblique angle to the axis of rotation of the neutron lens component by the grinding wheel driving device , and the angle of obliqueness &thgr; can be slightly varied at that location. Thus, fine ring-shaped protrusions can be formed accurately with an excellent surface finish and a low processing force, on the surface of a neutron lens component made of graphite etc.