MOK Optics: Optical Prisms – Types and Applications

At MOK Optics, we specialize in producing high-precision optical prisms designed for a variety of applications in fields such as imaging, measurement, laser systems, and optical communication. Our prisms are made from the highest quality materials with customizable specifications to meet the exact needs of our customers. Here’s an overview of the different types of optical prisms we offer and their key functions:

1.Rhomboid prism

A rhomboid prism is a type of optical prism with parallel rhombus-shaped faces. It is designed to deviate the light path without causing image inversion or displacement. Rhomboid prisms are often used in optical systems for beam steering, displacement, or for compacting optical paths where space constraints are a concern. The precise angular specifications of the prism ensure accurate light deviation, 

2.Penta prism

Penta prisms change the direction of an incident beam by 90° without inverting or reversing it, they are insensitive to the angle of incidence. Our penta prisms are fabricated from N-BK7, UV fused silica etc.

3. Dove Prism

The Dove prism is a reflective prism used to invert an image. It consists of a truncated right-angle prism, where light enters an inclined surface and undergoes internal reflection from the longest (bottom) surface. The result is an inverted image, making it highly useful in applications like interferometry and astronomy.

A unique feature of the Dove prism is that as it rotates about its longitudinal axis, the emitted image rotates at twice the speed of the prism itself. This allows for versatile beam rotation and makes it suitable for beam rotators in applications such as interferometry, pattern recognition, and optical imaging.

Applications: Beam rotation, interferometry, astronomy, and pattern recognition.

4. Right-Angle Prism

Right-angle prisms are often used to deflect light by 90° or serve as retroreflectors, directing light through 180° of internal total reflection. These prisms are key components in applications where precise stitching, beam shifting, and efficient internal reflection are needed. By exploiting the critical angle of the prism material, right-angle prisms achieve effective total internal reflection.

Applications: Beam shifting, retroflection, stitching, and precision optical systems.

Customization and Precision

MOK Optics offers high-precision prisms with a wide range of customizable features, including arbitrary angles, sizes and angular. We also provide tailored coatings for different UV, visible, and infrared wavelengths to meet the specific needs of your optical system.

For more information about our optical prisms and to view our full range of products, please visit our Optical Prisms page.


This revision aims to provide a more structured and professional overview of MOK Optics’ offerings, ensuring clarity and relevance for customers seeking high-quality optical components for various applications.