Pellin-Broca Prism
Pellin-Broca Prisms are precision optical components designed to disperse incident light while maintaining a constant deviation angle, typically 90°, regardless of the selected wavelength. By rotating the prism, a single desired wavelength can be selected and directed along a fixed output path, making these prisms well suited for tunable laser and monochromator systems. Chenyu Optics manufactures Pellin-Broca prisms in N-BK7, fused silica and flint glass, uncoated or with custom AR coatings.
Pellin-Broca Prism Overview
Pellin-Broca Prisms are precision optical components designed to disperse incident light while maintaining a constant deviation angle, typically 90°, regardless of the selected wavelength.
By rotating the prism, a single desired wavelength can be selected and directed along a fixed output path, making these prisms well suited for tunable laser systems, monochromators and wavelength-selection applications. They combine the dispersive properties of a standard prism with a reflective surface that folds the optical path, simplifying system alignment.
Chenyu Optics supports custom Pellin-Broca prism manufacturing according to customer drawings, including custom dimensions, material and coating design for prototype and repeat production.
Key Advantages of Pellin-Broca Prism
Tunable Laser & Monochromator Systems
Pellin-Broca prisms are widely used for wavelength selection in tunable laser systems, monochromators and spectroscopic instruments.
Typical Specifications of Pellin-Broca Prism
| Material Options | N-BK7, Fused Silica, Flint Glass |
|---|---|
| Optical Function | Constant-deviation wavelength selection |
| Deviation Angle | 90° (typical, wavelength-independent) |
| Dimensions | Customized |
| Transmission | High optical transmission |
| Angular Tolerance | ±1 arc minute (typical, tighter available) |
| Surface Accuracy | λ/4 – λ/10 @ 633 nm |
| Surface Quality | 20-10 / 40-20 scratch-dig |
Prism Structure & Light Path Diagram
Why Choose Chenyu Optics for Pellin-Broca Prism
Chenyu Optics focuses on drawing-based precision prism manufacturing for tunable laser, spectroscopy and optical instrumentation systems. We support prototype verification, small-batch production and repeat manufacturing for non-standard Pellin-Broca prisms.
Manufacturing Capability for Pellin-Broca Prism
Precision Grinding & Polishing
Precise angular control and surface polishing across multiple facets to achieve accurate constant-deviation performance.
Optical Coating
Custom AR and reflective coating options for tunable laser, spectroscopy and instrumentation applications.
Inspection & Packaging
Angular inspection, surface review, optical performance checking and protective packaging before shipment.
Custom Manufacturing Options for Pellin-Broca Prism
Dimensions & Geometry
Custom dimensions can be manufactured according to customer drawings and system integration requirements.
Material & Optical Quality
Material selection, angular tolerance, surface accuracy and surface quality can be optimized according to system requirements.
Coating & Wavelength Design
Uncoated, custom AR coatings, or reflective coatings can be specified for tunable laser or spectroscopy applications.
Prism Type Comparison
| Pellin-Broca Prism | Dispersion (Equilateral) Prism | Littrow Prism | Direct Vision (Amici) Prism | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deviation Behavior | Constant 90° deviation, wavelength-independent | Deviation varies with wavelength | Retroreflects at Littrow angle for one wavelength | Zero net deviation for a design wavelength |
| Wavelength Selection | Selected by rotating the prism | All wavelengths dispersed simultaneously | Fixed to a single design wavelength | Fixed dispersion around a central wavelength |
| Typical Function Focus | Tunable monochromatic output with fixed geometry | Maximizing wavelength separation | Wavelength-selective retroreflection in laser cavities | In-line spectral dispersion without beam deviation |
| Typical Applications | Tunable dye lasers, monochromators, spectroscopy | Spectroscopy, spectrometers, monochromators | Tunable laser cavities, laser wavelength selection | Direct-vision spectroscopes, handheld instruments |
Applications of Pellin-Broca Prism
Tunable Laser Systems
Wavelength selection for tunable dye and solid-state laser systems.
Monochromators
Constant-deviation wavelength selection for monochromator design.
Spectroscopy Instruments
Precise wavelength selection for spectroscopic measurement.
Wavelength Tuning Systems
Simple rotation-based wavelength tuning for laser systems.
Optical Research Instruments
Precision constant-deviation optics for research applications.
Laser Cavity Design
Wavelength-selective optics for laser cavity configurations.
Pellin-Broca Prism FAQ
What is the function of a Pellin-Broca prism?
A Pellin-Broca prism disperses light while maintaining a constant deviation angle, allowing a single wavelength to be selected by rotating the prism.
Why is the constant deviation angle useful?
It allows the output beam direction to remain fixed regardless of the selected wavelength, simplifying optical system alignment.
What is the typical deviation angle of a Pellin-Broca prism?
Pellin-Broca prisms are typically designed for a 90° constant deviation angle.
Can Pellin-Broca prisms be customized?
Yes. Chenyu Optics provides customized dimensions, materials, and AR coating options.
What information should I provide for a quotation?
Please provide dimensions, material, angular tolerance, surface quality, coating requirement, quantity and drawing if available.
Where can I learn more about prism design?
Additional information on prism design can be found from Edmund Optics.
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Need Custom Pellin-Broca Prisms?
Send us your drawing, dimensions, material and coating requirements. Chenyu Optics will review the optical and mechanical specifications and provide a suitable Pellin-Broca prism manufacturing suggestion.