Custom Micro Prism Design & Manufacturing

A prism is a solid glass object given a specific geometric shape for the purpose of dispersing, deviating, rotating, or displacing a beam of light. A micro prism, as the name suggests, is a very small version of an optical prism. Though there are many types of prisms, micro prisms are generally used to direct light in fiber optic communications, particularly in optical switches. Two types of micro prisms prove useful for these and other applications.

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Importance of Micro Prisms

Micro prisms provide an efficient means to redirect a beam of light within an assembly or fiber optic device. When light passes through one of the sides of a prism, it gets refracted. Depending on the design of the prism, the light can be redirected at various angles before exiting. The primary function of a micro prism in fiber optics is to move beams of light from one optical channel to another with high precision. Despite their small size, micro prisms are advantageous for optics projects, including:

• Precise deviation: The angles and facets of a prism are meticulously engineered to achieve precise calculations. When light enters the prism, it deviates as intended, boasting a high level of reliability. The light reaches its destination without interruption, which is more dependable than systems using mirrors or multiple components that require perfect alignment.
• High reflectivity: Micro prisms also exhibit high reflectivity, which aids in minimizing signal loss. At Shanghai Optics, for instance, we produce micro prisms with reflectivity exceeding 95 percent per face for specific wavelengths.
• Compact size: Their small dimensions allow micro prisms to redirect light accurately while keeping overall device sizes relatively small. This minimal footprint within assemblies or optical switches contributes to the compactness and efficiency of the technology.

These advantages render micro prisms ideal for use as circulators, interleavers, or MEMS in fiber optic applications.

Micro Penta Prism

Material: BK7 Grade A optical glass, Corning Fused Silica, JGS1, JGS2

90 degree Deviation Tolerance: Standard series: < 5 arc seconds; Precision series: <2 arc seconds

Flatness: Standard series: l/4 l at 632.8 nm; Precision series: l/8 l at 632.8 nm

Reflectivity: R > 95% per face from @ nm

Surface Quality: 40-20 scratch and dig, Working Wavelength: , , nm

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Micro Right-Angle Prism

Dimension Tolerance: +0.0, -0.1 mm; Clear Aperture: > 90%

Flatness: l/2 l@632.8 nm

Surface Quality: 40-20 scratch and dig; Reflectivity: R>95% per face @ center wavelength

Working Wavelength: , , mm; Bevel: 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm

Micro Prism Manufacturing Techniques

The performance of a micro prism is closely tied to its design and production. Micro prisms are generally shaped and ground from optical glass, polished to meet exact specifications, coated for optimal performance, and examined for any defects. At Shanghai Optics, we offer two types based on customer preferences: coated and uncoated.

Penta micro prisms: These prisms are pentagon-shaped, having seven sides, and consistently exhibit a light deviation of 90 degrees, no matter the entry point of the light. We fabricate our micro penta prisms using various substrate materials such as BK7 Grade-A optical glass, Corning Fused Silica, JGS1, and JGS2.

Right-angle micro prisms: Shaped as right triangles, these prisms feature two parallel triangular faces and three rectangular faces. They can bend light 90 or 180 degrees, depending on the face through which light enters. Our right-angle micro prisms have a bevel ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

While differing in shape, these prisms share many physical attributes like reflectivity, surface quality, and working wavelength. S.O. can produce custom micro prisms using various materials and coatings, including options for UV, visible, and IR wavelengths upon request.

Ordering Custom Micro Prisms from S.O.

Right-angle and penta micro prisms are utilized across multiple fields including fiber optics, where they often need to be customized for specific applications. At Shanghai Optics, we manufacture micro prisms tailored to meet such unique specifications while ensuring exceptional performance. To guarantee that our custom optical switch prisms adhere to your desired criteria, our production team adheres strictly to ISO standards and employs advanced metrology tools for performance testing. We invite you to explore how we can support your current optics project by requesting a quote or reaching out to one of our knowledgeable representatives for further information.