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Optics
Optics

Dispersion (Angular)

dθdλ=dθdn⋅dndλ\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

d\theta/d\lambda
Angular dispersion
rad/m
d\theta/dn
Rate of angle change with n
rad
dn/d\lambda
Material dispersion
1/m

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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, d\theta/d\lambda is angular dispersion, measured in rad/m; d\theta/dn is rate of angle change with n, measured in rad; dn/d\lambda is material dispersion, measured in 1/m.