A high-precision self-adapted optical structure

Third‐generation synchrotron x‐ray facilities, such as the Advanced Photon Source, generate a very high heat flux in a very small area. When an optical component is subjected to a heat load, there will be thermal deformation caused by a temperature increase. For a plate‐like structure, the temperature difference over the thickness causes bending, and the average temperature increment causes axial deformation. For an optical element, the slope change due to bending is the main reason for the degradation of functionality in the optical component. In order to preserve photons, optical components have to be designed to have very small thermal deformation or small change of slope in the surface. Typically the change of slope is limited to a few microradians. The structure proposed here offers advantages in terms of cost, complexity, and operations.