Right Angle Prisms
Common 90° beam deviation and image-reflection prism for compact optical layouts.
Beam DeviationOptical Prisms
Precision prisms for beam deviation, rotation, dispersion, retroreflection and optical path control.
Prism Types
Precision Prisms for Beam Control and Optical Path Management
Standard and custom prism geometries can be manufactured for imaging, laser, metrology, sensing and scientific optical systems.
Rhomboid Prisms
Produces lateral beam displacement while maintaining an output direction parallel to the input beam.
Beam DisplacementPenta Prisms
Provides a stable nominal 90° beam deviation with reduced sensitivity to prism orientation.
Stable 90° DeviationDove Prisms
Used for image inversion and image rotation in imaging and optical-instrument systems.
Image RotationRoof Prisms
Combines beam deviation with image orientation control using a precision roof edge.
Image OrientationWedge Prisms
Small angular deviation for beam steering, alignment and suppression of unwanted back reflections.
Beam SteeringDispersing Prisms
Separates wavelengths through material dispersion for spectroscopy and analytical optical systems.
Spectral DispersionCorner Cube / Retroreflector Prisms
Returns incident light toward its source for alignment, metrology, ranging and position-reference systems.
RetroreflectionAvailable Materials
Optical Materials Selected Around Wavelength and Environment
Material selection depends on spectral range, refractive index, thermal behavior, durability and the prism function.
BK7 Optical Glass
Versatile visible and near-IR optical glass for general precision prism applications.
Fused Silica
Low thermal expansion and broad UV-to-near-IR performance for demanding optical systems.
Sapphire
High hardness and environmental durability for rugged windows, prisms and sensor systems.
Custom Optical Materials
Additional optical glass, fluoride and infrared materials can be evaluated by application.
Engineering & Specifications
Control the Specifications That Matter to Prism Performance
Prism cost can rise quickly when angular, flatness and cosmetic tolerances are specified tighter than the optical system requires.
Angle Tolerance
Specify angular accuracy according to beam-deviation and alignment sensitivity.
Surface Quality
Match scratch-dig requirements to scattering, imaging and laser sensitivity.
Surface Flatness
Control flatness where reflected or transmitted wavefront quality requires it.
Dimensional Tolerance
Coordinate size, thickness and mechanical interfaces with the mounting design.
Coatings
AR, BBAR, reflective, metallic and application-specific coatings can be applied to selected faces.
Engineering recommendation: define the optical function first. COE can review angle, flatness, surface quality and coating requirements before quotation to avoid unnecessary manufacturing cost.
Typical Applications
Prisms Integrated into Real Optical Systems
Precision prisms are used where optical paths must be folded, displaced, rotated, dispersed or returned with controlled geometry.
Laser Systems
Beam steering, folding, alignment and laser delivery systems.
Imaging & Vision
Image rotation, inversion and compact imaging optical paths.
Metrology & Alignment
Reference paths, retroreflection and precision measurement systems.
Scientific Instruments
Spectroscopy, analytical instruments and laboratory optical assemblies.
Engineering Resources
Prism Selection and Design Resources
Focused technical resources for prism geometry, materials, angular tolerances and optical coatings.
Selection Guide
How to Select an Optical Prism
Compare prism geometry by beam deviation, displacement, rotation and retroreflection.
Read Guide → Engineering GuidePrism Angle Tolerance
Understand when tighter angular accuracy materially improves system performance.
Read Guide → Coating GuideOptical Coatings for Prisms
Select AR and reflective coatings around wavelength, angle and prism function.
Explore Coatings →FAQ
Optical Prism Frequently Asked Questions
Can COE manufacture custom prism geometries?
Yes. Custom angles, dimensions, materials, polished faces, coatings and mechanical features can be reviewed from customer drawings.
Which material is best for an optical prism?
It depends on wavelength, refractive index, thermal environment, durability and the prism function. BK7, fused silica and sapphire are common starting points.
How should prism angle tolerance be specified?
Angle tolerance should be tied to allowable beam-deviation or alignment error rather than automatically selecting the tightest available tolerance.
Can selected prism faces be coated?
Yes. AR, BBAR, reflective and application-specific coatings can be applied to selected optical faces according to the optical design.
What is a Corner Cube / Retroreflector Prism used for?
It returns incident light toward its source and is commonly used in alignment, metrology, ranging and reference systems.
Custom Optical Prisms
Have a Prism Drawing or Optical Requirement?
Send the geometry, material, angle tolerance, coating and quantity. Our engineering team can review manufacturability before quotation.