Prism

Prism

A prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. At least two of the flat surfaces must have an angle between them. The exact angles between the surfaces depend on the specific type of prism. The traditional geometrical shape is that of a triangular prism with a triangular base and rectangular sides, and in colloquial use "prism" usually refers to this type. Some types of optical prism are not in fact in the shape of geometric prisms. Prisms can be made from any material that is transparent to the wavelengths for which they are designed. Typical materials include glass, plastic and fluorite.

Types of Prisms

There are several types of prisms, each with a different use and effect. These include:

• Dispersive prism
• Dove prism
• Pellin–Broca prism
• Amici prism
• Compound prism
• Abbe prism
• Pentaprism
• Beam splitter

Uses of Prisms

Prisms are used in various optical devices. Binoculars and certain types of telescopes use prisms to correct the image orientation. Prisms can also be used to break light up into its constituent spectral colors (creating a spectrum). Prisms can also be used to reflect light, or to split light into components with different polarization.

See Also

• Lens (optics)
• Mirror
• Optics
• Refraction
• Spectrum

Prism Resources
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