In-situ surface monitoring system for synchrotron mirrors under high heat load

A portable electro-optical system capable of real-time measurements of surface distortions down to 0.5 microrad is described, limited primarily by the short-term system stability. Methods to reduce the system fluctuations and to enhance the detectable resolution are explained. Although designed for use with mirrors for synchrotron radiation sources, this system has the flexibility to be applied to other optical components. The prototype system has been tested on a sample mirror piece, and preliminary results are presented. A brief discussion about the extension of this metrology unit to adaptive optics is also given