Ultraprecision cutting of single-crystal calcium fluoride for fabricating micro flow cells

Ryo Komiya, Tetsunari Kimura, Takashi Nomura, Minoru Kubo, Jiwang Yan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Single-crystal infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a promising method for protein structure analysis, where a protein crystal sample is fixed in a micro flow cell. Single-crystal calcium fluoride (CaF2) is expected as the flow cell substrate material for its excellent optical property. However, CaF2 is a highly brittle material having strong anisotropy, thus is extremely difficult to machine. Up to date, there is no available literature on fabrication of CaF2 flow cells. In this study, micro flow cells of single-crystal CaF2 were fabricated by ultraprecision cutting technology. Fly cutting was conducted using a single-crystal diamond tool having straight edges to generate a depth-varying rectangle cross section for the flow cell. The effects of cutting direction, workpiece orientation, undeformed chip thickness and tool rake angle on cutting behavior were investigated. Based on experiments and analysis, optimal conditions for ductile machining of micro grooves in CaF2 were identified. As a result, a 10 μm deep CaF2 micro flow cell with surface roughness of 2.4 nmRa was successfully fabricated. Using the fabricated flow cell, IR spectroscopic analysis of a protein single crystal at room temperature was succeeded. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of ultraprecision cutting technology in CaF2 micro flow cell fabrication, which contributes to the IR analysis of protein, and in turn, the advance of life science.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberJAMDSM0021
JournalJournal of Advanced Mechanical Design, Systems and Manufacturing
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Calcium fluoride
  • Ductile machining
  • Micro flow cell
  • Single crystal
  • Ultraprecision cutting

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ultraprecision cutting of single-crystal calcium fluoride for fabricating micro flow cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this