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Laser Obstacle Course
Einstein's Nobel Prize was presented for his work with the photoelectric effect. The laser systems used in this challenge were originally designed with knowledge based on Einstein's famous paper.
Lasers similar to those used in rock concerts were projected over, through, and around a series of obstacles, using front-surface mirrors positioned by finalists, demonstrating the notion that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. If time allowed, finalists were challenged to send a modulated video signal through the obstacle course.
Judges evaluated the processes each team employed to set up the obstacles, how they predicted the positioning of the mirrors, the difficulty of each course, and the relative amount of light able to transmit through each course. |
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Nicholas Ekladyous carefully points a laser at an angled mirror in hopes of successfully directing laser light through the obstacle.
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How high should the laser be? What angle is best? Team Black works together to devise a winning strategy for navigating the laser obstacle course.
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Team Grey closes in angling the laser light correctly through the tube.
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A member of Team Grey angles the laser light with precision.
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Kevin Lane demonstrates an ideal laser position angle for his teammates.
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With laser light illuminating the Cole Field House, Austin Fullmer studies the placement of a mirror near one of the obstacles, a porous tube.
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Under the watchful eyes of Mythbusters co-hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, Team Black furiously works to solve the conundrum of the laser obstacle course.
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Austin Fullmer shares his methodology with teammates Kevin Lane and Jordan Pennell.
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| PHOTOS: By Richard Cho |
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