Prism Minimum Deviation

n = \frac{sin ( \frac{A + δ _{m}}{2} )}{sin ( \frac{A}{2} )}

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

Variables

Refractive index

unitless

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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