Improved parallelism measurement using a laser interferometer

The authors discuss an improved method for obtaining parallelism measurements of two straight bars in a plane, considering the specific problem of making two vertical surfaces parallel to each other to within 0.00005 of an inch over a 50 inch length. The authors compare the existing method of using dial indicators and a slider with that of using a laser interferometer, cable and pulley system, and a microcomputer. Possible errors this system may generate and solutions to help minimize them are presented. The procedure presented will help to minimize errors due to the operator such as `reading between the lines´ on an indicator and hand applied pressure. These methods allow improved parallelism resolution over that obtainable with the indicator