ISSN:
1432-0649
Keywords:
PACS: 42.15.Gs; 42.79.Bh
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract. According to many textbooks on optics, the deviation angle of a prism with the apex angle (or prism angle), γ, and the refractive index, n, with respect to the surrounding medium can be approximated by δappr=(n-1)γ, if γ≪π/2 and the angle of incidence α1≪π/2. The validity of this approximation is investigated considering the relative error of the deviation. It is shown that this approximation can be extended to angles of incidence α1=nγ with very fair accuracy and even to larger prism angles γ〈π/4 in the range of angles of incidence near the minimum of deviation depending on the acceptable relative error.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003400050010
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