Custom Littrow Prisms

Littrow prisms are precision optical prisms used for spectral dispersion, wavelength selection and beam deviation in optical systems. They are commonly used in spectroscopy, laser tuning, wavelength separation, optical analysis instruments and scientific research equipment.

A Littrow prism is typically designed so that light enters the prism, is dispersed by refraction, reflects from the rear surface, and then exits along or near the original optical path. This design allows compact optical layouts for wavelength selection and spectral analysis systems.

Realpoo Optics manufactures custom Littrow prisms according to customer drawings, optical designs and application requirements. We support different materials, dimensions, prism angles, coatings and surface accuracy levels for OEM optical instruments.

What Is a Littrow Prism?

A Littrow prism is a dispersion prism that combines refraction and reflection to separate or select wavelengths. In a typical configuration, the rear surface of the prism is coated with a reflective coating, allowing the light to pass through the prism twice. This double-pass structure can increase dispersion in a compact optical system.

Littrow prisms are often used when a system requires wavelength separation, beam deviation or laser wavelength tuning.

Key Features

• Used for spectral dispersion and wavelength selection
• Compact double-pass optical design
• Suitable for laser tuning and spectroscopy systems
• Custom prism angle available
• Reflective coating available on rear surface
• AR coating available on entrance and exit surfaces
• BK7, fused silica and other optical materials available
• Custom size and tolerance available for OEM systems

Applications

Littrow prisms are widely used in:

• Spectroscopy systems
• Spectrometers
• Monochromators
• Laser tuning systems
• Wavelength selection modules
• Optical analysis instruments
• Scientific research systems
• Laboratory optical setups
• Laser wavelength control
• Dispersion compensation systems

Material Options

Realpoo Optics can manufacture Littrow prisms from different optical materials according to wavelength range and system design.

Common materials include:

• N-BK7
• H-K9L
• Fused Silica
• Sapphire
• CaF2
• Other optical glass materials upon request

BK7 and H-K9L are suitable for visible optical systems. Fused silica is recommended for UV, high-power laser or applications requiring high thermal stability. CaF2 can be used for specific UV or infrared transmission requirements.

Technical Specifications

Coating Options

Coating design is important for Littrow prism performance. The rear surface is often coated with a reflective coating, while the entrance and exit surfaces can be coated with AR coating to improve transmission and reduce reflection loss.

Available coating options include:

• UV AR coating
• VIS AR coating
• NIR AR coating
• Broadband AR coating
• High reflective coating
• Aluminum reflective coating
• Silver reflective coating
• Gold reflective coating
• Dielectric HR coating
• Custom laser wavelength coating

For laser tuning or spectroscopy applications, coating should be selected according to wavelength range, incidence angle, polarization and reflectance requirements.

Littrow Prism for Spectral Dispersion

Littrow prisms are useful in systems where light needs to be separated into different wavelengths. Because the beam passes through the prism twice in a reflective configuration, the prism can provide effective dispersion while keeping the optical system compact.

This makes Littrow prisms suitable for optical instruments where space is limited but wavelength control is required.

Littrow Prism for Laser Tuning

In laser systems, Littrow prisms can be used as wavelength selection components. By changing the prism angle or optical alignment, the system can select or tune specific wavelengths.

For this application, material homogeneity, angle accuracy, coating performance and surface quality are very important.

Custom Manufacturing Capability

Realpoo Optics supports custom Littrow prism manufacturing for optical instrument manufacturers, research laboratories and OEM laser system suppliers.

Our custom capabilities include:

• Custom prism angle
• Custom prism size
• Custom optical material
• Custom AR coating
• Custom reflective coating
• Custom surface quality
• Custom surface accuracy
• Custom edge treatment
• Prototype and batch production
• OEM optical component support

Quality Control

Each Littrow prism can be inspected according to customer specifications. Inspection items may include dimension, angle tolerance, surface quality, surface accuracy, coating reflectance, coating transmission and appearance quality.

For spectroscopy and laser tuning applications, angle accuracy and coating performance are especially important to achieve stable wavelength control.

Related Optical Prisms

Customers who need Littrow prisms may also be interested in:

• Equilateral Prisms
• Dispersion Prisms
• Amici Prisms
• Wedge Prisms
• Right Angle Prisms
• Custom Optical Prisms

Information Needed for Quotation

To provide an accurate quotation, please send us the following information:

• Prism drawing or optical design
• Material requirement
• Prism angle
• Size and tolerance
• Working wavelength range
• Surface quality
• Surface accuracy
• Reflective coating requirement
• AR coating requirement
• Quantity
• Application details

Request a Custom Littrow Prism Quote

If you need custom Littrow prisms for spectroscopy, laser tuning, wavelength selection or optical analysis systems, please send us your drawing and technical specifications. Realpoo Optics can provide custom Littrow prism manufacturing solutions for precision optical applications.