The application of prisms in optical instruments

The main function of a prism is to cause refraction, reflection, or dispersion of light passing through it. Its functions in optical components include:

Application in microscopy

Optical path adjustment: In the microscope, the prism plays a key role in optical path adjustment. Through the refraction of the prism, the light emitted by the light source can be directed to the specimen, ensuring that the specimen is evenly and brightly illuminated. For example, in some advanced compound microscopes, specially shaped prisms are used to focus the light and project it onto the specimen at the right Angle, which helps to improve the resolution and contrast of the microscope.
Image guidance: The prism can also guide the image of the specimen amplified by the objective lens to the eyepiece through the appropriate light path. This process requires precise control of the position and Angle of the prism to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the image. Moreover, in stereo microscopy, the clever design of the prism allows the user to see the image with three-dimensional sense, which is very helpful for viewing some three-dimensional structures of the specimen (such as insects, small organisms, etc.).
Applications in telescopes
Optical path folding and tube shortening: Telescopes use prisms to change the length of the optical path, effectively shortening the length of the tube. Taking a refracting telescope as an example, by using a prism (such as a right Angle prism or a roof prism), the light can be reflected and refracted in the mirror tube, so that the originally long light path can be realized in the short mirror tube. This not only makes the telescope more portable, but also reduces production costs and manufacturing difficulties.
Image orientation correction and image quality improvement: prisms are also used in telescopes to correct the orientation of images. In the astronomical telescope, in order to facilitate the observer to observe the celestial body, it is necessary to convert the inverted image to the upright image, which needs to use a suitable prism to achieve. At the same time, high-quality prisms can reduce the scattering and loss of light, improve the clarity and brightness of imaging, and thus improve the observation effect of the telescope. For example, in some high-end roof prism telescopes, through precision machined prisms and advanced coating technology, very clear images can be provided to meet the needs of astronomy enthusiasts and professional observers.
Application of spectrophotometer
Dispersion function to achieve spectral analysis: The spectrophotometer is mainly used to measure the absorption degree of substances to different wavelengths of light, and the dispersion function of the prism plays a core role in it. When composite light (such as white light) enters the prism of the spectrophotometer, it is broken down into monochromatic light of different wavelengths. These monochromatic light can pass through the sample pool in turn and then be detected by the detector. By analyzing the absorption of light of different wavelengths, the absorption spectrum of the substance can be obtained, and information such as the composition, structure and concentration of the substance can be inferred.
Precise wavelength selection: The prism in a spectrophotometer can precisely select a specific wavelength of light, which is essential for high-precision spectral analysis. By rotating the prism or adjusting the position of the slit in the light path, the desired wavelength of light can be selected for measurement. This precise wavelength control capability makes the spectrophotometer play an important role in the research and quality control process in many fields such as chemistry, biology and materials.
Applications in laser equipment
Laser beam orientation adjustment: In laser equipment, prisms can be used to adjust the orientation of the laser beam. For example, in a laser cutting device, by placing a suitable prism in the optical path, the laser beam can be guided to a specific location on the workpiece, achieving a precise cutting path. Moreover, in laser communication, prisms can also be used to change the propagation direction of the laser signal, so that it can be accurately transmitted in the fiber or free space.

Laser beam focusing and beam expanding: The prism can also be combined with other optical components (such as lenses) to achieve the focusing or beam expanding function of the laser beam. By reasonably designing the shape and refractive index of the prism and combining with other optical elements, the spot size and energy distribution of the laser beam can be controlled according to the practical application requirements. For example, in the field of laser micromachining, the laser beam needs to be focused on a very small spot to achieve high-precision machining operations, and the prism can play an auxiliary focusing role in this process.