Tunable Laser Applications, 3rd Edition

Chapter 13

Multiple-Prism Arrays and Multiple-Prism Beam Expanders

Laser Optics and Scientific Applications

F. J. Duarte

13.1 Introduction

Multiple-prism arrays were introduced by Newton in his book entitled Opticks in 1704 [1]. In addition to the introduction of the reflection telescope and a detailed qualitative description of multiple-prism arrays, the use of the prism as a beam expander was also suggested in that prophetic book [2]. A subsequent significant contribution was made by Brewster, who introduced prism pairs as beam expanders in 1813 [3].

13.2 Dispersion Theory of Multiple-Prism Arrays

Multiple-prism wavelength tuners were introduced by Strome and Webb [4] in 1971. The introduction of a prism as an intracavity beam-expansion element ...