reflection of a prism

[edison]

Hello Guys

I need a second opinion on this matter so hopefully you guys can help me out. If you have a prism like in the situation below. Does the hypotunese has to be coated by a reflective coating to bend the beam. I,m thinking of getting some of these prisms made.

Hope someone can give me some info on what is best.


Thanks guys.

[dnar]

Here is my unqualified opinion, yes it does.

[norty303]

Depending on the material used for the prism, there will be some reflection anyway, but for efficient reflection it'll need a coating I'd have thought.

P.S. Can you explain where the 'bending' happens please?

[logsquared]

Shouldn't need a coating. Internal reflection is your friend. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_internal_reflection

[edison]

Mmm ok so bassically only AR coating on input and output surfaces to make it suitable for 400-700nm. Anyone else that want to give it a try?

[logsquared]

For the non-believers

[edison]

Hehe cool thanks Losquared. I will do an AR coating on in and output surface. It totally reflective as i can see. Good work!!!

[norty303]

Just reading that wiki article, is the phase shift associated with total internal reflection (TIR) of concern for people who may be using polarised sources, and potentially combining post prism?

[logsquared]

Just reading that wiki article, is the phase shift associated with total internal reflection (TIR) of concern for people who may be using polarised sources, and potentially combining post prism?

Good question. That's beyond my basic understanding. Would be fun to investigate.

[norty303]

Yeah, I read it, but don't really 'get it', but the reference to phase shift and polarisation made my spidey senses tingle.