Prism

A transparent optical element that redirects light through refraction. Its shape can separate white light into a spectrum because different wavelengths bend by different amounts.

Refraction: The change in a wave’s direction as it passes between materials with different wave speeds. A prism redirects rays at its surfaces because light changes speed between air and glass.
Optical glass: Glass formulated and processed to meet requirements for transmitting, refracting, or controlling light. Prisms are commonly made from optical glass chosen for its index and dispersion.
Spectrometer: An instrument that separates or measures components of a spectrum. A prism can disperse incoming light so a spectrometer can analyze its wavelengths.
Mirror: A surface that reflects light to form images or redirect beams. A mirror redirects light by reflection, whereas a prism primarily redirects it through refraction.
Dispersion (optics): The dependence of a material’s refractive index on light’s wavelength or frequency. Wavelength-dependent refraction spreads white light into colors inside a prism.
Prism (geometry): A polyhedron with two congruent, parallel polygonal faces connected by parallelogram faces. The optical element takes its name from this geometric form, which sets its face angles.
Binoculars: An optical instrument that uses two telescopes to provide magnified viewing with both eyes. Porro and roof prisms fold the optical path and, in many designs, correct image orientation.
Diffraction grating: An optical element with periodic structure that separates light by diffraction and interference. It disperses wavelengths through interference rather than a prism’s wavelength-dependent refraction.
Snell's law: An equation relating the angles of incidence and refraction to the refractive indices of two media. It predicts the ray angles at each prism surface.
Apex angle: The angle between the two refracting faces of a prism in a principal cross-section. Changing this angle changes the prism’s deviation and dispersion.

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