Key words are wavelengths and frequency,,,I have been hit with this in the head for a few hours now,goes through anything,,,and thinking is definitely a problem...Frankie is out to harass me,,, well my time will come.. you wait......littlefucker.
This article is about a prism in optics. For a prism in geometry, see Prism (geometry). For other uses, see Prism (disambiguation).
"Prismatic" redirects here. For other uses, see Prismatic (disambiguation).
In optics, a prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. At least two of the flat surfaces must have an angle between them. The exact angles between the surfaces depend on the application. The traditional geometrical shape is that of a triangular prismwith a triangular base and rectangular sides, and in colloquial use "prism" usually refers to this type. Some types of optical prism are not in fact in the shape of geometric prisms. Prisms can be made from any material that is transparent to the wavelengths for which they are designed. Typical materials include glass, plastic and fluorite.
A dispersive prism can be used to break light up into its constituent spectral colors (the colors of therainbow). Furthermore, prisms can be used to reflect light, or to split light into components with different polarizations.
Prisms are sometimes used for the internal reflection at the surfaces rather than for dispersion. If light inside the prism hits one of the surfaces at a sufficiently steep angle, total internal reflection occurs and all of the light is reflected. This makes a prism a useful substitute for a mirror in some situations.
Prisms are sometimes used for the internal reflection at the surfaces rather than for dispersion. If light inside the prism hits one of the surfaces at a sufficiently steep angle, total internal reflection occurs and all of the light is reflected. This makes a prism a useful substitute for a mirror in some situations.
