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Optics
Optics

Prism Minimum Deviation

n=sin⁡(A+δm2)sin⁡(A2)n = \frac{\sin\left(\frac{A + \delta_m}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)}

At minimum deviation, light passes symmetrically through the prism. This formula relates the refractive index to the prism angle and minimum deviation.

Variables

n
Refractive index
unitless
A
Prism apex angle
°
\delta_m
Minimum deviation angle
°

Derivation

At minimum deviation, the ray inside the prism is parallel to the base, and the angles of incidence and emergence are equal.

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