Quick Answer:The Spectrometer Prism is a glass prism with two optically polished faces and one ground face, made for the prism table of a spectrometer to measure the angle of minimum deviation and study dispersion.
Last updated: 18 October 2026
Key Features
Two faces optically polished to scratch-dig 60-40.
Third face ground to a matte finish.
Made for use on a spectrometer prism table.
Used for minimum deviation, refractive index and dispersion experiments.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Polished faces
Two, optically polished (S/D 60-40)
Ground face
One, matte finish
How It Is Used
The prism is placed on the levelled table of a spectrometer with light from the collimator entering one polished face. The table is turned until the spectrum seen in the telescope reaches minimum deviation, and the angles are used to calculate the refractive index of the glass and its dispersive power.