Experiment 17: Linear measurement using a laser interferometer 1

1.
Laser Resolution: 0.001 micrometer
Range: (0-40m), (0-80m)

2. Instability of using several gauge blocks

Need to check the datum several times due to its sensitivity
Inability to control the room temperature
The setting of the apparatus
The calibration of the apparatus
The waiting time for the apparatus to become stable
Maintaining the whole set up aligned throughout the experiment

3.
Gauge Value Measured Value
20 19.9977

30 30.0132

40 39.9979

50 50.0524

60 60.0081

70 70.0116

80 80.0164

90 90.0608

The deviation from the true value could be explained by the accuracy of the instrument compare
to that of the gauge block.
Also during measurement the reflector could have been moved sideways or using hand contact
its temperature could has change resulting in these deviation
4. Limitation:
Poor surface contact between the surface plate and the gauge block.
Temperature of human body affect the surrounding
5. Apparatus:
Consist of the source –laser steerer-Linear Beam splitter-Linear reflector
Experiment 17: Linear measurement using a laser interferometer 2
 Experiment 17: Linear measurement using a laser interferometer 3

Advantages:
Measurement can be taken to an accuracy of 0.0001 mm
The set-up can be used as a precise comparator when the gap is already calibrated
Measurement is fast and precise
It is easy to take readings, there is no vernier scale or magnifying glass. The exact measurement
is displayed on the computer.

Limitations:
The apparatus is expensive and bulky
It is difficult and time-consuming to set up the apparatus
The beam takes about 30 minutes to warm up and be ready for use
The room must be at standard temperature and pressure
The apparatus is fragile
The apparatus requires a lot of calibration before usage
If some components such as the straight edge, the optics or the light emitter moves from its
initial position, calibration must be done again
When replacing the optic at the set datum, the reading is not zero each time and the datum has to
be set again.