A right-angle prism is a precision optical component with a cross-section in the shape of an isosceles right triangle. Its core is made of high-purity optical glass, featuring two mutually perpendicular right-angle faces and one inclined face. Its working principle is based on the laws of light refraction and reflection: after entering the prism, light undergoes two refractions and one or more reflections to alter its propagation direction, enabling precise control of the optical path. To enhance light transmission efficiency, some surfaces are coated with an aluminum film through uniform deposition to reduce optical loss and improve reflectivity.

Differences Between Right-Angle Prisms and Ordinary Mirrors

• Shape and Structure
  A right-angle prism has an isosceles right-triangular structure with two perpendicular planes; ordinary mirrors are typically flat, rectangular, or circular in shape.
• Optical Properties
  A right-angle prism can achieve both reflection and refraction simultaneously, used for redirecting light paths, focusing, or dispersing beams; ordinary mirrors only produce object imaging through single reflection.
• Application Fields
  Right-angle prisms are primarily used in optical instruments (such as laser interferometers and microscopes); ordinary mirrors are commonly found in daily life, medical settings, and similar scenarios.