Littrow prism
Encyclopedia
In optics
, a Littrow prism is a retro-reflecting dispersing prism arranged in such a way that an incident light beam which enters at the Brewster angle undergoes minimal deviation and hence maximum dispersion. Littrow prisms are typically 30° - 60° - 90° prisms, with a a reflective film coating on the surface opposite the 60° angle. Typically Littrow prisms are used in lasing
at the end of an optical cavity
to offer fine adjustment of the laser's output frequency by altering the angle of incidence.
Optics
Optics is the branch of physics which involves the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light...
, a Littrow prism is a retro-reflecting dispersing prism arranged in such a way that an incident light beam which enters at the Brewster angle undergoes minimal deviation and hence maximum dispersion. Littrow prisms are typically 30° - 60° - 90° prisms, with a a reflective film coating on the surface opposite the 60° angle. Typically Littrow prisms are used in lasing
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
at the end of an optical cavity
Optical cavity
An optical cavity or optical resonator is an arrangement of mirrors that forms a standing wave cavity resonator for light waves. Optical cavities are a major component of lasers, surrounding the gain medium and providing feedback of the laser light. They are also used in optical parametric...
to offer fine adjustment of the laser's output frequency by altering the angle of incidence.