Prism types
| Prism | Description |
|---|---|
| Right-angle prism | Typically used to bend image paths or to redirect light at 90°. Using the critical angle, total internal reflection of the incident light is one of its basic functions. Easy to install, with good stability and strength against mechanical stress, so suited to all kinds of devices and instruments. |
| Roof prism | Reverts and inverts the image as well as bending the optical path by 90°. Its smaller size lets the objective and eyepiece sit in a line, suiting compact binoculars and telescopic systems. |
| Powell prism | A line generator that displays a uniform straight reference line for alignment, machine-vision systems, construction and process control. Also usable with lower-power lasers. Available in fan angles of 5°, 7°, 10°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° and 100° for custom applications, at all wavelengths. |
Common specification (right-angle prisms)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Substrate Material | H-K9L/ N-BK7/ Fused Silica |
| Dimension Tolerance | ±0.1mm |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.15mm |
| Surface Quality | 20-10/40-20/60-40 |
| Decentration | <3′ |
| Clear Aperture | >90% |
| Surface Flatness | λ/10@632.8nm |
| Uncoated Wavelength Range | 400 nm - 700 nm |
Specification
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | K9, fused silica |
| Product application | Telescopic systems, imaging systems and range-measurement systems |
Technical FAQ
Configuration questions for Prisms
What wavelengths does the Prisms cover?
Uncoated Wavelength Range: 400 nm - 700 nm. Check the specification at your angle of incidence. Coating bands and grating efficiency curves are quoted at a reference angle, and both shift as that angle changes.
What size is the Prisms?
Dimension Tolerance: ±0.1mm · Thickness Tolerance: ±0.15mm. Clear aperture is smaller than the physical part, and the mount that holds it takes more again. Size the optic from the beam diameter at that plane, including the margin the mount consumes.
What is the Prisms made from?
Substrate Material: H-K9L/ N-BK7/ Fused Silica · Surface Quality: 20-10/40-20/60-40. Substrate and coating decide thermal behaviour and cleaning method as much as optical performance. Confirm both before the optic enters a high-average-power or vacuum path.