Florida, USA-based Tower Optical has introduced a series of trapezoidal prisms for use in laser-based microscopy and spectroscopy systems, as well as in precise beam separation functions.
Applications for the prisms in the life sciences include the examination of cultures, where an inverted microscope is used with laser light passing through a trapezoidal prism positioned on top of the chamber containing the culture. The reflected light passing through the sample is then analysed to produce information that assists in analysis of the sample properties. As an optical component the trapezoidal prism can perform many different tasks. It has the ability to invert an image, act as an image rotator and to displace a light beam by a prescribed distance.
The company supplies trapezoidal prisms in varying configurations. All of the physical parameters can be selected to suit any particular requirement, including the prism angles. Any surface, or surfaces can have any of a selection of coatings applied. The company notes that the extended length of its trapezoidal prisms allow coupling to other optical components. The trapezoidal prisms are available from Tower Optical on a custom basis, in a short period of time in prototype quantities as well productions quantities.