How to Specify

When requesting a quote for optical prisms, providing the following information helps us give you an accurate quotation:

Material
Glass type or crystal
Prism Type
Geometry and configuration
Size
Base length or dimensions
Coating
AR or reflective coating
Surface Quality
Scratch-dig specification
Quantity
Number of pieces

Engineering Considerations

Prism deviation angle depends on both the apex angle and refractive index at your operating wavelength. For precision beam steering, specify the angular tolerance tightly. Material dispersion affects beam divergence β€” CaFβ‚‚ prisms minimize chromatic effects in UV applications. Anti-reflection coatings on entrance and exit faces reduce throughput loss.

Application Notes & Knowledge

Beam Expander Design with Prisms

Prism applications in beam expander systems

Optical Prism Selection Guide

Complete guide to choosing the right prism

Prism Types & Applications

Overview of different prism types and uses

Laser Optics Components Guide

Practical guide to laser optics selection

Before Requesting a Quote

To help us provide an accurate quotation, please prepare the following information. Not all fields are required — send what you have, and our engineering team can help identify missing parameters.

✓ Material
BK7, fused silica, CaF₂, etc.
✓ Dimensions
Diameter, thickness, focal length
✓ Wavelength
Operating wavelength or range
✓ Coating
AR, HR, metallic, or uncoated
✓ Surface Quality
Scratch-dig, roughness
✓ Quantity
Prototype, low volume, or production
✓ Application
Laser, imaging, spectroscopy, etc.
✓ Operating Environment
Temperature, vacuum, cleanroom

Not sure about some specifications? Send what you have — our engineering team will help identify the missing parameters and recommend appropriate values for your application.

Critical Parameters for Prisms

When specifying this product, these parameters most directly impact performance and cost:

Wavelength Deviation Angle Material Dispersion Surface Quality

How to Specify

When requesting a quote for this product, please specify the following parameters to help our engineering team provide an accurate quotation:

Not sure about specifications? Upload your drawing and our team will assist with engineering review.

Ordering Information

Price Range
See Quote
Standard Lead Time
Ships within 1 week after payment
Custom Lead Time
Subject to engineering evaluation
MOQ
1 Piece
Samples
Available

Contact us for exact pricing based on your specifications.

Specification Parameters

Typical Specifications shown on this page are standard capabilities. Available Options include alternative materials and coatings. Custom Specifications are available per your drawing. Requirements beyond standard capability are marked Subject to Engineering Review.

Get a Quote Full Ordering Guide

Have a Custom Requirement?

Upload your drawing or specifications. Our engineering team will review and respond within 1 business day.

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Related Optical Materials

Learn more about the optical materials available for this product

πŸ”΅BK7 🟣UV Fused Silica
View All Materials β†’
Optical Prisms

BK7 Optical Prisms

BK7 (N-BK7/K9) optical prisms: right angle, dove, penta, equilateral dispersing, corner cube and roof prisms. Precision polished for beam steering, dispersion and image rotation. Custom coatings available.

Material

N-BK7

Availability

Standard / Custom

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BK7 Optical Prisms

Key Specifications

Critical Parameters for Prisms

When specifying this product, these parameters most directly impact performance and cost:

Prism Type Wavelength Surface Quality Angle Accuracy Dimensions
Substrate MaterialN-BK7 (equivalent to SCHOTT BK7 / K9)
Prism TypesRight Angle, Dove, Penta, Equilateral Dispersing, Corner Cube, Roof
Available Sizes5mm - 100mm (standard); custom up to 150mm
Surface Quality20-10 / 40-20 / 60-40 (MIL-PRF-13830B)
Angle Accuracy±1 arc-minute (standard) / ±30 arc-second (precision)
Beam Deviation≤30 arc-second
Clear Aperture>90% of face dimension (standard)
Chamfer0.25-0.5mm x 45° (standard)

Parameter Reference Guide

Typical Standard capability β€” available as shown
Available Alternative options exist β€” request quotation
Custom Per your drawing β€” quote after review
Subject to Review Depends on project specifics

Available specifications vary by prism type and configuration. Contact engineering for exact capabilities.

What Are BK7 Optical Prisms?

BK7 optical prisms are refractive and reflective optical components fabricated from N-BK7 glass, used to deviate, disperse, redirect, or rotate light beams and images. BK7 is the most common optical glass for visible-wavelength prism applications, offering excellent homogeneity and ease of polishing.

When Should You Use This Product?

Use BK7 prisms when you need beam deviation, image erection, dispersion, or optical path folding in visible-wavelength systems. Common applications include periscopes, spectrometers, laser beam steering, rangefinders, and interferometry. For UV or high-power laser applications, consider UV fused silica prisms instead.

Available Prism Types

Right Angle Prisms

90° beam deviation or image reversal via total internal reflection

Dove Prisms

Image rotation; rotating the prism rotates the image at 2x rate

Penta Prisms

Constant 90° deviation regardless of incident angle

Equilateral Dispersing Prisms

Wavelength separation and dispersion for spectroscopy

Corner Cube Prisms

Retroreflection — returns beam parallel to input regardless of orientation

Roof Prisms

Image inversion in binoculars and rangefinders

Available Optical Materials

MaterialAvailabilitySpec Sheet
N-BK7 Standard / Custom See material page

All materials are available in standard and custom thicknesses. Browse all 30+ optical materials

Optical Coating Options

Anti-Reflection (AR)

Single-layer or multi-layer AR coatings for specific wavelength bands. Reduce reflection to below 0.5% per surface.

High-Reflection (HR)

Dielectric HR coatings for prism reflection faces. Reflectivity >99.5% at design wavelength.

Broadband AR

BBAR coatings for wide spectral range applications. Low reflection across 400-700nm or other bands.

Laser Line Coatings

Optimized for specific laser wavelengths: 266nm, 355nm, 532nm, 1064nm, 10.6µm, etc.

Custom Coating

Custom coating designs for unique wavelength ranges, angles of incidence, and polarization requirements.

Engineering Considerations

Prism Type Selection

Choose the prism geometry based on your optical function: beam deviation (right angle), image rotation (dove), constant deviation (penta), dispersion (equilateral), or retroreflection (corner cube).

Angle Tolerance

Prism angle accuracy directly affects beam pointing. Standard ±1 arc-minute is suitable for most applications; precision ±30 arc-second for interferometry and metrology.

Wavelength Range

BK7 transmits well from ~350nm to ~2µm. For deep UV below 350nm, use UV fused silica. For mid-IR beyond 2µm, consider CaF₂ or other IR materials.

Surface Quality

Tighter scratch-dig specifications increase cost. 60-40 is adequate for most alignment and beam-steering applications; 20-10 for imaging and laser systems.

Applications

Laser Systems

Beam steering, folding, and dispersion in laser cavities and delivery systems.

Spectroscopy

Dispersing prisms for wavelength separation in spectrometers and monochromators.

Metrology & Interferometry

Precision prisms for coordinate measurement, interferometers, and alignment systems.

Manufacturing & Customization

6+
Prism Types Available
Custom
Sizes & Shapes
Quality Management
Partner Network
Evaluation
Custom Lead Time (estimated)

Quality Assurance

Every component undergoes comprehensive inspection before shipment. Our quality control process includes:

  • Dimensional verification with calibrated metrology equipment
  • Surface quality inspection per MIL-PRF-13830B standards
  • Angle accuracy and wedge measurement
  • Beam deviation and wavefront testing
  • Cleanroom packaging for critical applications

Learn more about our quality processes

How to Specify

When requesting a quote for optical prisms, providing the following information helps us give you an accurate quotation:

Material
BK7, fused silica, CaF₂, etc.
Prism Type
Right angle, dove, penta, etc.
Dimensions
Width, height, length
Angle Accuracy
Arc-minute requirement
Surface Quality
Scratch-dig requirement
Coating
AR, HR, or uncoated
Quantity
Number of pieces

Before Requesting a Quote

To help us provide an accurate quotation, please prepare the following information. Not all fields are required — send what you have, and our engineering team can help identify missing parameters.

✓ Material
BK7, fused silica, CaF₂, etc.
✓ Prism Type
Right angle, dove, penta, etc.
✓ Dimensions
Width, height, length
✓ Surface Quality
Scratch-dig, roughness
✓ Angle Tolerance
Arc-minute or arc-second
✓ Quantity
Prototype, low volume, or production
✓ Application
Laser, spectroscopy, metrology, etc.
✓ Coating
AR, HR, metallic, or uncoated

Not sure about some specifications? Send what you have — our engineering team will help identify the missing parameters and recommend appropriate values for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are BK7 optical prisms used for?

BK7 Optical Prisms are used in optical systems where precise control of light is required. Common applications include laser systems, imaging, spectroscopy, and scientific instrumentation.

What is the wavelength range?

BK7 transmits from approximately 350nm to 2µm. The usable range depends on the specific prism type and any applied coatings. For UV applications below 350nm, consider UV fused silica prisms.

Can I order custom sizes or specifications?

Yes. PhotonEdge offers custom diameters, focal lengths, and coating specifications outside our standard catalog. Custom optics require engineering evaluation. Lead time is confirmed with your quotation.

What coatings are available?

We offer a range of standard and custom coatings including AR, HR, broadband, and laser-line options. Coating selection depends on your wavelength range and application requirements.

What quality standards do you follow?

Our manufacturing partners operate under quality management processes aligned with ISO 9001 standards. All components undergo rigorous inspection including dimensional verification, surface quality assessment, and angle accuracy testing.

What is the typical lead time?

Custom optics require engineering evaluation. Lead time is confirmed with your quotation.

How do I request a quote?

Click the 'Request a Quote' button above. Please provide your required prism type, dimensions, material, surface quality, angle tolerance, coating, and quantity for an accurate quotation.

Related Products

Right Angle Prisms

90° beam deviation or image reversal

Dove Prisms

Image rotation prisms

Penta Prisms

Constant 90° deviation

Corner Cube Prisms

Retroreflection prisms

Equilateral Dispersing Prisms

Dispersion & spectroscopy

Not sure which option is right for your project?

Describe your system requirements and our AI Optical Engineer will recommend materials, coatings, and specifications instantly.

Ask AI Optical Engineer