Custom Dove Prisms for Precision Image Rotation
Dynamic Image Control | 180° Inversion | OEM Custom Specifications
- Precision Image Rotation: Uniquely designed so that when the prism is rotated along its longitudinal axis, the transmitted image rotates at exactly twice the rate of the prism. Essential for dynamic optical alignment and complex imaging systems.
- High-Fidelity Optical Path: Manufactured from highly homogeneous glass with tight surface flatness tolerances (< λ/4 PV), ensuring that the inverted wavefront remains completely free from distortion for high-resolution sensors.
- Optimized Throughput: Available uncoated utilizing Total Internal Reflection (TIR) for broadband use, or with custom Broadband Anti-Reflective (BBAR) coatings on the entrance and exit faces to eliminate stray light and maximize signal strength.
- 100% Export Compliant: Engineered exclusively for commercial Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and industrial instrumentation. Completely Germanium-free and ITAR-free, ensuring a restriction-free, highly stable global supply chain for your B2B manufacturing needs.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Premium Optical Glass (K9/N-BK7), UV Fused Silica |
| Dimensions (Length/Aperture) | Custom (Typical length: 10mm to 100mm) |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.1mm (Standard) / ±0.05mm (Precision) |
| Angle Tolerance | ±3 arc minutes (Standard) / ±30 arc sec (Precision) |
| Surface Quality | 40-20 (Standard) to 20-10 Scratch-Dig (Laser Grade) |
| Surface Flatness | < λ/4 PV @ 632.8nm |
| Clear Aperture | > 90% of central dimension |
| Coating Options | Uncoated (Standard TIR) or custom BBAR on end faces |
Product Overview
Dynamic Control for Vision Systems
Dove prisms are the premier choice for optomechanical systems requiring image inversion or controlled rotation. Because the image is inverted 180° upon transmission, they are widely used in interferometry, astronomy, and advanced machine vision setups to match the orientation of the sensor precisely without moving the camera itself.
Exceptional Wavefront Integrity
Due to the long optical path length within a Dove prism, the homogeneity of the substrate and the precision of the polishing are critical. We meticulously control the surface flatness and use premium-grade K9 or UV Fused Silica to guarantee that astigmatism and wavefront distortion are kept to an absolute minimum, ensuring sharp, high-contrast imaging.
Reliable, Risk-Free Supply
We understand that continuous production relies on a predictable supply chain. By strictly focusing on civilian-use optical components and explicitly avoiding export-restricted materials like Germanium, our export processes are highly streamlined. We deliver globally compliant, ready-to-assemble optics directly to your factory floor or third-party integrators.
Metrology & Performance Reports
Figure 1: Dove Prism Transmittance
Demonstrates a highly stable >97% average transmittance across the visible and NIR spectrum (400-1000nm), combining BBAR-coated end faces with Total Internal Reflection (TIR) for maximum photon throughput.
Metrology Analysis & Application Fit
- Target Wavelength: Broadband capability across UV, Visible, and NIR spectrums depending on the chosen substrate.
- Operational Note: Dove prisms perform optimally with parallel (collimated) light. Using converging or diverging beams may introduce astigmatism due to the slanted entrance and exit faces.
- Primary Applications:
- Image rotators in Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
- Interferometry and beam profiling
- Periscopes and complex telescope optics
- Polarization control (when customized as a double Dove prism)
Custom Sub-Assembly Services
Mounting a Dove prism can be challenging due to its unique geometry. We offer custom manufacturing, including specifically chamfered edges to prevent chipping, and can deliver the prisms pre-mounted in custom cylindrical housings ready for direct integration into your rotational stages.