The cross-section of a right angled prism is a right angled triangle. Used to change the direction of light without altering other properties of the light, such as wavelength, polarization state, etc. So what is the imaging pattern of a right angled prism?
1、 Ray incidence and refraction
When light is incident perpendicular to one side of a right angled prism, refraction occurs. After entering the prism, the light is divided into two different rays. A deflection angle of 0 degrees allows light to propagate directly forward; The other deflection angle is not 0 degrees, and the light will refract to the other sides of the prism.
2、 Light reflection
The light refracted onto other sides of the prism will reflect on that side. The reflection angle is equal to the incident angle, according to the law of light reflection.
3、 Ray refracts again
The reflected light will pass through the refractive surface of the prism again, undergo refraction again, and finally shoot out from the other side of the prism.
4、 The formation of orthogonal light rays
When these two rays of light (i.e., the directly propagating ray and the reflected and refracted ray) meet again, their angle is exactly 90 degrees, presenting a cross ray shape perpendicular to the other. Therefore, a right angle prism will refract and reflect the incident light, forming a set of orthogonal light rays.
5、 Imaging characteristics
A right angle prism is mainly used to observe and analyze the propagation path and angle changes of light. Light rays undergo significant deflection during refraction and reflection, so the imaging of right angle prisms is mainly used for applications such as optical path design and measurement.
6、 Beam dispersion
Due to the fact that light of different colors will bend at different angles during refraction and reflection, a right angle prism can be used to disperse the light beam and form a colored spectrum.
The above is an answer to the imaging law of a right angle prism. We hope it is helpful to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult online or leave a message.
