As a result, EEM has been widely applied to the fabrication of ultraprecise mirrors used in synchrotron radiation facilities and EUVL [1]. However, further improvement of the figure correction system is needed because larger optical devices with more complicated figures are now required. For example, ultraprecise X-ray mirrors with a length of 400 mm have become necessary [7]. Ellipsoidal mirrors are also gaining increasing attention in the field of soft X-ray microscopy [8]. To improve the characteristics of stationary spot machining

in EEM, we propose an improved method of flowing a fluid including particles. In particular, nozzle-type EEM utilizes a jet flow, which has been investigated in various fields such as water jet machining, water jet cleaning [9], and surface reforming with cavitation [10]. In these studies, #Selleckchem Ganetespib randurls[1|1|,|CHEM1|]# the shape AZD0156 in vitro of the aperture and the structure of the channel in the nozzle are optimized to form a variable flow from the nozzle. The method used to simulate the fluid flow has also been improved. The behavior of a jet flow can be predicted and effectively used to develop functional nozzles. In this study, we propose a nozzle structure to further improve the properties of stationary spot machining in EEM. The structure can concentrate the fluid after it flows from the nozzle aperture. A fluid simulation is carried out to clarify the advantageousness of the proposed structure. Then, the nozzle is fabricated and tested

to confirm the simulation results. Methods Fluid simulations In nozzle-type EEM, to transport particles to the workpiece surface and remove them from the surface, a high-shear flow is required on the surface. The removal area and removal rate depend on the velocity distribution of the fluid in contact with the surface. The shape of the distribution can be controlled by changing the nozzle specifications buy Ribociclib such as the width, velocity, angle, and stand-off distance, where the stand-off distance

is defined as the length between the nozzle outlet and the workpiece surface. In previous studies, the fluid channel of the nozzle was straight, and its aperture was rectangular or circular, as shown in Figure 1a [4]. The pressurized fluid flows from the nozzle toward the fluid in a tank. In this case, it is commonly considered that the flow diverges after exiting from the aperture since the jet flow is in a strongly turbulent state. To satisfy both the smallness and removal rate required in stationary spot machining, the stand-off distance is selected to be short. Minute stationary spot machining with a spot size of 500 μm in diameter has been realized for a stand-off distance of less than 300 μm [4]. Figure 1 Structure of nozzles used to generate high-shear flow on the workpiece surface in elastic emission machining. (a) Straight-flow nozzle. (b) Focusing-flow nozzle. In this study, the generation of a focusing flow is applied to EEM. Figure 1b shows the concept of a focusing flow.