Everything about Triangular Prism Optics totally explained
In
optics, a
triangular prism is a type of
optical prism with the shape of a
geometrical triangular prism. It is the most widely-known type of optical prism, although perhaps not the most common in actual use. Triangular prisms are used to
disperse light, that's to break light up into its
spectral components. This dispersion occurs because the angle of
refraction is dependent on the
refractive index, which in turn is dependent on the
wavelength. This effect can also be used to measure the refractive index of the prism's material with high accuracy. In such a measurement, the prism is placed on the central rotary platform of an optical
spectrometer with the incident light beam adjusted such that the refracted beam is at
minimum deviation. The refractive index can then be computed using the apex angle and the angle of minimum deviation.
Although the refractive index is dependent on the wavelength in every material, some materials have a much more powerfull wavelength dependence (are much more dispersive) than others. Normal optical
BK7 glass has a relatively small dispersion, while glass types such as
LaSF11 or
Lanthanum dense flint glass have a much stronger dispersion and hence are more suitable for use in dispersive prisms.
The top angle of the prism (the upper corner in the accompanying picture) can be chosen to influence the exact dispersion characteristics. However, it's typically chosen such that both the incoming and outgoing light rays hit the surface approximately at the
Brewster angle, so that
reflection losses are minimized. An example is the use of this type of prisms in
prism compressor for generation of
ultrafast laser pulses.
The prism is also seen on the cover of
Pink Floyd's
The Dark Side of the Moon. The graphic on the album cover shows the ray of light remaining white while passing through the prism and only refracting to the entire visible light spectrum upon leaving the prism. This image is inaccurate because the different wavelength of different colours of light cause them to refract as soon as they enter the prism. the light then creates lights in the designated places.
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