Optics B/C

[hexagonaria]

Can somebody answer a question for me? This is my first year on optics, and I was wondering what is meant by "premade templates." I think I know what they mean, but I want to be sure before I commit to making any templates. Thanks!

[zyzzyva980]

A template is something used on laser shoots- they are set alignments made on paper or some other material that assist in placing the mirrors.

[Infinity Flat]

Can somebody answer a question for me? This is my first year on optics, and I was wondering what is meant by "premade templates." I think I know what they mean, but I want to be sure before I commit to making any templates. Thanks!

A sheet of paper or plastic that has been altered in any way, designed to assist you in the laser shoot.
This is usually a piece of paper that is marked where you want to place the mirrors.
However, it's important to remember that you CANNOT move the block(s) when setting up for the laser shoot, so your template must be made in such a way that you can place it down easily. (I'd recommend just cutting away any part of the template that isn't necessary to place down the mirrors.)

[hexagonaria]

Thanks guys. Thats what I was thinking, that having things on a thin sheet of paper would make your measurments more accurate, since you can put the mirrors on top of them and slide the paper out from under them when your done.

It's nice that there are actually people on this forum. I wait hours for a response on other threads.

[Infinity Flat]

Thanks guys. Thats what I was thinking, that having things on a thin sheet of paper would make your measurments more accurate, since you can put the mirrors on top of them and slide the paper out from under them when your done.

It's nice that there are actually people on this forum. I wait hours for a response on other threads.

You can keep the template on the table when you turn on the laser - you don't have to slide it out from under the mirrors.

[SciBomb97]

The thing about the template, it just so darn hard to place them.
We tried that last year at regionals and state. It didn't work out.
The theory is pretty sound until you try to apply it at competition.
The templates only work if you can align it to the laser, or parallel to the walls of the box.
I think that's why they've added the barrier this year, because you really can't position templates on either side of a barrier without error, which the laser shoot does not seem to tolerate to to any degree.

[foreverphysics]

The thing about the template, it just so darn hard to place them.
We tried that last year at regionals and state. It didn't work out.
The theory is pretty sound until you try to apply it at competition.
The templates only work if you can align it to the laser, or parallel to the walls of the box.
I think that's why they've added the barrier this year, because you really can't position templates on either side of a barrier without error, which the laser shoot does not seem to tolerate to to any degree.

And that is why we beat you at laser shoot at Regs. State was just weird. Maybe that was part of the reason they changed the rules up this year...
If they allow tape, all our troubles over laser shoot...are over.

[Schrodingerscat]

My rationale behind use of templates is that if one places several mirrors on the same template, a lot of variability among just those three mirrors is reduced. If the method is to be compared with protractors and rulers, those to my experience easily slip and rotate, making it difficult to maintain a common reference for measurements. However, with a template, those variables stay much more constant, allowing the mirrors on the template to reflect more reliably. Of course,the limit still exists on how accurately one can place the mirrors and align the template, even if the markings are theoretically less than 1/100th of a degree, the distances less than a millimeter, off, etc.

[zyzzyva980]

Since time is no longer a factor, what are the opinions on whether or not the advantages of a template are reduced? Does anyone feel it's more effective to use protractors, etc, and check extremely carefully than to trust a template?

[Infinity Flat]

Since time is no longer a factor, what are the opinions on whether or not the advantages of a template are reduced? Does anyone feel it's more effective to use protractors, etc, and check extremely carefully than to trust a template?

If you can use a template, it's best to do so. As Schrodinger explained above, a template is prone to MUCH less human error than the use of ruler and protractor.
However, there will be instances when your pre-made template(s) will fail. This is especially important in C division, where the 3 blocks can be positioned in such a variety of ways (it's quite easy to make an impossible laser shoot, actually.) In this case, its necessary that you know how to properly use the ruler and protractor.