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Optics
Optics

Prism Minimum Deviation

n=sin⁡(A+δm2)sin⁡(A2)n = \frac{\sin\left(\frac{A + \delta_m}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)}

At minimum deviation, light passes symmetrically through the prism. This formula relates the refractive index to the prism angle and minimum deviation.

Variables

n
Refractive index
unitless
A
Prism apex angle
°
\delta_m
Minimum deviation angle
°

Derivation

At minimum deviation, the ray inside the prism is parallel to the base, and the angles of incidence and emergence are equal.

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Common questions

What is the Prism Minimum Deviation formula?

Prism Minimum Deviation is written n = frac{sin(A + δₘ/2)}{sin(A/2)}. At minimum deviation, light passes symmetrically through the prism. This formula relates the refractive index to the prism angle and minimum deviation. It belongs to Optics, under Prisms.

What are the units in n = frac{sin(A + δₘ/2)}{sin(A/2)}?

In SI units, n is refractive index (dimensionless); A is prism apex angle, measured in °; \delta_m is minimum deviation angle, measured in °.

How is the Prism Minimum Deviation formula derived?

At minimum deviation, the ray inside the prism is parallel to the base, and the angles of incidence and emergence are equal. The result is n = frac{sin(A + δₘ/2)}{sin(A/2)}.