In synchrotron radiation (SR) beamlines, optical elements like mirror and g
ratings have to be kept in ultra high vacuum (UHV) environment. Moreover, p
roper mechanism has to be provided for precise in situ manipulation of thes
e elements. A precision mirror movement mechanism has been developed for su
ch a purpose. This mechanism is UHV compatible and is based on kinematic co
upling providing precision movements in all the six degrees of freedom (3 l
inear and 3 rotational). The rotational accuracies have been checked by usi
ng an indigenously built Fizeau interferometer(FI). (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien
ce Ltd. All rights reserved.