How to Reflect a Laser Beam With Mirrors
Unlike other types of commercial available light sources, a laser beam can be bounced off of almost any number of mirrors and retain its visual strength. With a little practice and enough shiny surfaces, you can reflect a laser beam across the entirety of your home and still hit a target the size of a pinhead.
Since the actual scientific process of highly accurate laser reflection requires many calculations, having a simplified version like this one around is probably a good idea.
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Instructions
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Set your laser in its clamp, facing the direction in which you'd like the laser to travel, and secure it. Any change to the direction of the laser's path will be accomplished by moving your mirrors, so the laser can and should remain stationary throughout your experiment. You should also put on your protective eyewear at this time, as even low-watt lasers can be extremely dangerous.
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Position your first mirror at a 45-degree angle in the direct path through which the laser's beam will travel, and test your construct by turning your laser on and marking where the beam terminates. If done correctly, your laser beam should be terminating at a point 90 degrees to the immediate left or right of your laser array, depending on the angle you've chosen.
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Add a second mirror at the laser's current termination point to reflect it again, and so on. When changing the angle of the laser's path, consider the following:
Moving any but the last mirror in your array will result in the laser potentially leaving the reflective surface of one or more mirrors. The closer to the laser's source you get, the greater effect moving a mirror will have on the ultimate destination of your laser beam, so move any mirrors slowly and carefully, beginning with the last mirror first, watching the termination point as you do so to avoid losing it.
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Tips & Warnings
Higher-wattage lasers can go ever farther distances without weakening appreciably.
Even low-power lasers can cause irreparable damage to the human eye, so wear appropriate eyewear at all times when working around them.
