A laser level is used to align the parabolic mirrors with the optical bench. A sighting rod is placed in an optical bench carrier support. Level the laser and rotate until it aims at the center of the sighting rod. This aligns the laser with the bench.

Move the alignment rod to the other optical bench and slide it as close to the mirror as possible. Move the optical bench until the laser light strikes the alignment rod.

Slide the alignment rod to the other end of the optical bench and repeat the procedure to align both optical benches along a straight line.

Rotate the mirror until the laser reflects back upon itself.

Moving a paper back and forth in front of the mirror will help guide the alignment of the tilt of the mirror as well as the correct placement of the match heads.

Select the "line" mode on the laser level and adjust the height of the mirror.

Now move the heating element into alignment. The optical bench is already aligned and should not be moved.

This picture shows the detail of the mirror and alligator clip mounts. Being able to move them perpendicular to the optical bench helps simplify the alignment procedure.