Phase control effects in optical diffraction radiation from a slit

Optical Diffraction Radiation (ODR) from a slit is becoming a real promising instrument for measuring the transverse beam size, or even the emittance of the very high brightness linacs driving SASE FELs or the future ILC which require non-intercepting diagnostic devices. But to correctly explain experimental data it is necessary to further develop the theory of this radiation emission. In this paper we discuss in particular the effects of a non-perfect coplanarity of the two halves of a slit, that introduces a phase difference in the field produced by the two half-planes. Such non-coplanarity can result from mechanical stress for instance.