pentaprism

Pentaprism is a five-sided glass block which reflects light through an angle of 90 degrees. Compared to the right-angle prism the image of the subject is neither reverted nor inverted. Solaris Optics provides custom fabrication services of pentaprism in its Warsaw, Poland-based facility.

Unique advantages of pentaprism

Pentaprism is a five-sided reflection prism with four active surfaces, which has an unique ability to reflects light at 90 degrees independent of the incidence angle in small confines. The beam reflects inside the prism twice before it leaves the prism, and as such the reflected beam is not inverted. Because the incident angle to the reflecting surfaces is less than critical angle, the phenomena of internal reflection does not occur and the reflecting faces need to be mirror coated.

The ability to reflect an image without reverting nor inverting made it a staple component of high-end digital single-lens reflex DSLR cameras to deflect the image from the mirror to eyepiece. Pentaprisms are also used for beam steering in variety of precise applications in surveying, laser systems, optical tooling and range finding. The inherent advantage of pentaprism is ability to deflect light at 90 degrees even if the prism orientation cannot be precisely adjusted, which allows for easier assembly and robustness to mechanical vibrations and shock. This unique feature makes it also a perfect tool for high-precision scanning of optical elements, such as flat mirrors, parabolic mirrors and collimation systems.

Precise fabrication for precise optics

The precision and accuracy of manufacturing process leads a key role in correct operation of the prism. Solaris Optics, produces tailor-made pentaprisms from range of optical materials (according to customer request) in its Warsaw, Poland facility. The company offers manufacturing services spanning a complete ultra-precision optics production processes. The fabrication, coating, assembly and quality control is performed with state-of-art machine park. With over 30 years of expertise in production of high-precision optics, we are committed to meeting the specific needs of the customer while ensuring minimum defects and strict geometry.

If you have questions about pentaprisms and Solaris Optics fabrication capabilities, we are more than happy to help you. Please contact us for more information.

 

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