Dispersion (Angular)

\frac{d\theta}{d\lambda} = \frac{d\theta}{dn} \cdot \frac{dn}{d\lambda}

Angular dispersion describes how much the angle of refraction changes with wavelength. It depends on both the prism geometry and the material's dispersion.

Variables

dθ/dλ

Angular dispersion

rad/m

dθ/dn

Rate of angle change with n

rad

dn/dλ

Material dispersion

1/m

Your notes

0/5000

Where this formula is listed

Optics formulas, under Prisms.
In the optics list it comes after Depth of Field and before Prism Minimum Deviation.
Optics formula sheet, one of 34 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.

Common questions

What is the Dispersion (Angular) formula?

Dispersion (Angular) is written dθ/dλ = dθ/dn · dn/dλ. Angular dispersion describes how much the angle of refraction changes with wavelength. It depends on both the prism geometry and the material's dispersion. It belongs to Optics, under Prisms.

What are the units in dθ/dλ = dθ/dn · dn/dλ?

In SI units, dθ/dλ is angular dispersion, measured in rad/m; dθ/dn is rate of angle change with n, measured in rad; dn/dλ is material dispersion, measured in 1/m.