Penta Prism
Penta Prisms are precision optical components used for constant 90° beam deviation, image orientation and alignment systems. Chenyu Optics manufactures Penta Prism with high angular accuracy, precision optical surfaces and optional AR coatings for laser, imaging and measurement applications.
Penta Prisms Overview
Penta Prisms are precision optical components used to provide constant 90° beam deviation while maintaining accurate image orientation in optical systems.
They are commonly selected for imaging and measurement systems because they provide fixed-angle beam deviation independent of small prism alignment errors. They are widely used in surveying instruments, optical measurement equipment, laser systems and compact imaging assemblies requiring stable optical paths.
Chenyu Optics supports custom Penta Prisms manufacturing according to customer drawings, including different sizes, materials and configurations. Surface quality, angle accuracy, flatness, dimensions, clear aperture and coating requirements can be specified for prototype and repeat production.
Key Advantages of Penta Prisms
Beam Deviation & Image Orientation
Penta Prism provide stable 90° beam deviation for imaging, alignment and optical measurement systems where consistent optical path geometry is required.
Typical Specifications of Penta Prisms
| Material | Optical Grade Glass / BK7 |
|---|---|
| Material Type | BK7, Fused Silica or UV-grade optical glass |
| Transmission Range | Approx. 350 nm – 2500 nm, depending on material grade, thickness and coating |
| Refractive Index | Approx. 1.516 @ 589 nm (BK7) |
| Density | Approx. 2.51 g/cm³ (BK7) |
| Angle Accuracy | ≤ 3 arcsec or custom |
| Surface Quality | 20-10, 40-20, 60-40 or custom |
| Surface Flatness | Up to λ/10 @ 633 nm or drawing-based |
| Beam Deviation | Constant 90° deviation independent of prism orientation |
| Size / Dimension | Custom round, square, rectangular or special-shaped prisms |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.1 mm, ±0.05 mm or custom |
| Clear Aperture | ≥85% of prism area or drawing-based |
| Chamfer | 0.1 – 0.3 mm × 45° or drawing-based |
| Coating Options | Uncoated, AR, broadband AR, laser wavelength coating, custom coating |
Penta Prism Structure Diagram
Why Choose Chenyu Optics for Penta Prism
Chenyu Optics focuses on drawing-based precision prism manufacturing for imaging, measurement and alignment systems. We support prototype verification, small-batch production and repeat manufacturing for non-standard Penta Prism.
Manufacturing Capability for Penta Prism
Precision Polishing
Controlled lapping and polishing of prism surfaces for angle accuracy, flatness and low-scatter optical performance.
Optical Coating
AR and broadband AR coating options for UV, visible and near-infrared Penta Prism applications.
Inspection & Packaging
Angle accuracy verification, surface review, dimensional inspection and clean protective packaging before shipment.
Custom Manufacturing Options for Penta Prism
Dimensions & Geometry
Round, square, rectangular and special-shaped Penta Prism can be manufactured according to customer drawings, including custom clear aperture, edge form and mounting requirements.
Surface & Mechanical Quality
Surface quality, flatness, angle accuracy, chamfer and dimensional tolerances can be selected according to imaging performance, alignment method and assembly structure.
Coating & Wavelength Design
Uncoated, single-band AR, broadband AR and laser wavelength coatings can be specified for UV, visible or near-infrared systems.
Penta Prism Material Comparison
| BK7 | Fused Silica | N-SF11 | Sapphire | Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Approx. 350 – 2000 nm | Approx. 185 – 2500 nm | Approx. 380 – 2350 nm | Approx. 150 – 5500 nm | Approx. 130 – 8000 nm |
| Refractive Index | Approx. 1.517 @ 587 nm | Approx. 1.458 @ 587 nm | Approx. 1.784 @ 587 nm | Approx. 1.760 @ 589 nm | Approx. 1.434 @ 589 nm |
| Mechanical Notes | Standard optical glass, good workability | Low thermal expansion, high UV transmission | High-index glass for dispersion control | Very hard, chemically durable | Lower hardness, sensitive to thermal shock |
| Typical Use | General-purpose prisms, visible imaging systems | UV laser optics, high-precision optical assemblies | Beam-splitting and dispersion-sensitive designs | Harsh environment optics, wide-spectrum systems | UV to MWIR broadband optical systems |
Applications of Penta Prism
Surveying Instruments
Beam-folding elements in surveying and leveling instruments requiring stable 90° deviation.
Optical Measurement
Fixed-angle prisms for alignment and calibration in precision measurement systems.
Laser Alignment
Stable beam deviation elements for laser alignment and beam-steering applications.
Imaging Systems
Image-orientation elements in compact optical assemblies and viewfinders.
Rangefinders
Beam deviation components for optical rangefinding and distance measurement instruments.
Industrial Inspection
Prisms for machine vision and non-contact inspection systems requiring stable optical paths.
Penta Prism FAQ
What is the function of a Penta Prism?
A Penta Prism deviates a light beam by a constant 90° without inverting or reversing the image, regardless of small prism misalignment.
Why do Penta Prism provide constant beam deviation independent of alignment?
The five-surface geometry of a Penta Prism reflects light twice internally, producing a fixed 90° deviation angle that is not affected by small prism tilt errors.
What materials are used for Penta Prism?
Penta Prism are commonly manufactured from BK7, fused silica or UV-grade optical glass, depending on the required wavelength range and application.
Do Penta Prism invert or reverse the image?
No. Penta Prism deviate the beam by 90° while preserving image orientation, without inversion or reversal.
Are AR coatings available for Penta Prism?
Yes. AR and broadband AR coatings can be applied to reduce Fresnel reflection losses for UV, visible or near-infrared applications.
Can Penta Prism be manufactured to custom sizes?
Yes. Chenyu Optics manufactures Penta Prism according to customer drawings, including custom size, angle tolerance, surface quality and coating requirements.
What information should I provide for a quotation?
Please provide prism size, angle tolerance, surface quality, flatness, clear aperture, coating requirement, material, quantity and drawing if available.
Related Products for Penta Prism
Need Custom Penta Prism?
Send us your drawing, angle tolerance, size, material and coating requirements. Chenyu Optics will review the optical and mechanical specifications and provide a suitable Penta Prism manufacturing suggestion.