Small Precision Dispersion Prisms are Stable and Customizable
A Dispersion Prism is a high-precision optical component that uses the dispersive properties of optical glass to separate polychromatic light, such as white light, into individual wavelengths. Leveraging refraction and dispersion within the glass enables wavelength separation, spectral analysis, and beam deflection.
Features
- High-dispersion materials: SF11, BK7, or fused silica with stable dispersion coefficients.
- Micro-precision manufacturing: Typical dimensional tolerance ±0.01 mm; angular precision ≤30″.
- Compact dimensions: Clear apertures suitable for sub-5 mm specifications.
- Versatile prism types: Equilateral, right-angle, and Amici prisms to meet diverse dispersion needs.
- High transmission: 350–2500 nm, typical transmission ≥90% (coated versions ≥95%).
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Our prisms are made from high-dispersion optical glasses such as SF11, BK7, or fused silica, and are designed for micro-precision manufacturing with compact dimensions (typically under 5 mm). They are ideal for miniature spectrometers, portable laser devices, and medical diagnostic instruments. This design overcomes the limitations of traditional prisms, including large size, inconsistent dispersion accuracy, and difficult mounting, making them suitable for highly integrated optical systems where space is limited.
Feature Details
Material Selection for Application Needs
- SF11 Glass: High dispersion (νd=25.4), ideal for spectrometers requiring precise wavelength separation. It can clearly separate visible light into a seven-color spectrum.
- BK7 Glass: Moderate dispersion (νd=64.1), balancing performance and cost. Suitable for laser beam deflection and general-purpose optical paths.
- UV Fused Silica: Wide wavelength coverage (185–2500 nm), low absorption in the UV range, ideal for UV spectroscopy and applications sensitive to wavelength accuracy.
Micro-precision and Compact Size
- Manufactured with precise grinding and polishing, the dimensional tolerance is typically ±0.01 mm, and angular precision ≤30″ (≈0.008°). Sub-5 mm prisms save 40–60% of internal space compared to conventional prisms over 30 mm, allowing device miniaturization. Consistent production ensures dispersion deviation within 2%, reducing spectral shift risks.
Prism Type Functionality
- Equilateral Prism: Commonly used for uniform dispersion of polychromatic light. Suitable for water quality monitoring, material analysis, and general spectroscopy.
- Right-Angle Prism: Provides both dispersion and beam deflection (≈90°) without extra reflective elements, ideal for compact optical systems like miniature laser rangefinders.
- Amici Prism: Combines multiple glass types for high-resolution dispersion, suitable for precision instruments like atomic absorption spectrometers.

Product Advantages
- Stable dispersion accuracy: Glass materials maintain dispersion deviation ≤1%, with spectral error generally ≤0.5 nm.
- Strong environmental resistance: Maintains shape under -40°C to 120°C, superior aging resistance, and typical service life over 8 years.
- Compact system integration: Supports sub-5 mm apertures, compatible with micro-sensors and fiber modules without additional adapters.
- Flexible customization: Apertures from <5 mm to 100 mm, angular precision from 15″ to 1′, AR coatings (400–700 nm, 1000–1100 nm), small-batch orders starting at 10 pieces.
Usage Tips & FAQ
Usage Tips:
- Selection: Choose SF11 for high-precision spectral analysis, BK7 for beam deflection, and UV fused silica for UV applications. Ensure prism aperture slightly exceeds the beam diameter by 1–2 mm.
- Mounting & Alignment: Use prism side surfaces for positioning; align angles with a goniometer. For equilateral prisms, aim for 45° incidence; maintain angular deviation ≤30″ for micro-precision applications.
- Cleaning: Wipe with a lint-free cloth and isopropanol or optical cleaning solution. Avoid touching the clear surface with fingers. For sub-5 mm prisms, handle from the sides with tweezers.
- Storage: Keep in a dust-free, dry optical case. Maintain humidity at 30–40%; avoid corrosive gases.
FAQ:
Q: How does a dispersion prism differ from a standard deflection prism?
A: Dispersion prisms separate wavelengths; deflection prisms only redirect beams. For spectral analysis, choose dispersion prisms; for simple beam direction changes, standard prisms are sufficient.
Q: Can micro-prisms (<5 mm) maintain accuracy in batch production?
A: Yes. Typical dimensional deviation ≤0.005 mm, angular deviation ≤15″. Multi-prism dispersion deviation ≤2%, suitable for miniature spectrometer production.
Q: What parameters are required for custom orders?
A: 1) Application scenario, 2) key dimensions (aperture, angle precision, wavelength range), 3) special requirements (e.g., UV AR coating, fiber interface).
Q: Do minor scratches affect dispersion?
A: Scratches on non-clear surfaces usually have no effect. On clear surfaces, visible scratches ≥0.5 μm can scatter light and reduce spectral quality; minor, invisible scratches can often be cleaned and used safely.
Technical Specifications
Category | Range | Standard | Micro-Precision Custom |
Material | SF11, BK7, UV fused silica | BK7 | Customizable |
Clear Aperture | <5 mm – 100 mm | 10 mm / 20 mm | Sub-5 mm per requirement |
Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.01–0.1 mm | ±0.05 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Angular Precision | 30″–1′ | 1′ | ≤30″ |
Surface Quality | 10–5 to 60/40 | 40–20 | 10–5 |
Form Accuracy | λ/10 – λ/2 (λ=550 nm) | λ/8 | λ/10 |
Transmission Wavelength | 350–2200 nm (BK7); 185–2500 nm (fused silica); 380–2500 nm (SF11) | 350–2200 nm | As needed |
AR Coating | 400–700 nm / 1000–1100 nm / 200–400 nm | None | Multi-layer AR |










