Achromatic N-prism beam expanders: optimal configurations

Journal Article · Mon Apr 15 00:00:00 EST 1985 · Appl. Opt.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.24.001130· OSTI ID:5563914

Trebino, R

In this paper, we calculate optimal prism configurations for achromatic N-prism beam expanders of a single material; we argue that for moderate to high magnifications, that is M> or approx. =(2-1/(2/sup N/-1-1))/sup N/, the up-up . . . up--down configuration is generally optimal, in the sense that it maximizes the transmission for given magnification. We also derive exact expressions for the incidence and apex angles that optimize a nonachromatic N-prism beam expander of arbitrary materials. The use of simple three-prism (up--up--down) and four-prism (up--up--up--down) single-material achromatic beam expanders is suggested for applications requiring compactness, achromaticity, and temperature stability.

• Research Organization: Stanford University, Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford, California 94305
• OSTI ID: 5563914
• Journal Information: Appl. Opt.; (United States), Vol. 24:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
DYE LASERS
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
CONFIGURATION
DESIGN
BEAM OPTICS
CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS
FOCUSING
INCIDENCE ANGLE
OPTICAL DISPERSION
OPTIMIZATION
POLYNOMIALS
PRISMS
FUNCTIONS
LASERS
LIQUID LASERS
420300* - Engineering- Lasers- (-1989)