Optical prisms are solid glass optical components that can be used to manipulate light in many ways. From the minuscule dove prism in an endoscope to the porro prism in a space telescope, prisms can be found in many widely varying optical systems. Chosen wisely they can lead to more efficient, compact design and higher image quality. But just how do prisms work, and what prism is best for your application?
This selection guide will provide an overview of the different geometries you may see in prisms, complete with details about prime applications and key functionalities. Knowing whether you need dispersion, deviation, displacement or rotation will help you decide what prism type is best for you.
You should also be aware that prisms can be made of various substrates, and the substrate that is best for you will depend on the specific wavelengths of light you are targeting and the environmental conditions in which you work.