Lexic.us

Definition of Nicol prism

1. Noun. Optical device that produces plane-polarized light.

Definition of Nicol prism

1. Noun. (optics) An optical device used to generate polarized light. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Nicol prism

1. A prism, used for polarizing or analysing light, made by cementing together, with Canada balsam, two pieces of calcite in such a way that the extraordinary ray from the first piece passes through the second piece while the ordinary ray is reflected to the side into an absorbing layer of black paint. When two Nicol prisms are crossed, therefore, no light passes through. A polarizing prism made of two pieces of calcite specially cut, ground, polished and cemented. A transmitted beam splits into two polarized components, one of which is refracted into and absorbed by the asphalt mount. The remaining polarized beam is transmitted. Modifications of this prism are common. The Nicol prism (nicol) has generally been superseded by a polarizing film such as Polaroid. See: polars, polarizer, analyser. (05 Aug 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Nicol Prism

Literary usage of Nicol prism

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Manual of Petrographic Methods by Albert Johannsen (1918)
"nicol prism (1828).—The first polarizing prism of Iceland spar was FK;. ... If, now, a ray of light falls upon one end of the nicol prism, it will be broken ..."

2. Manual of Petrographic Methods by Albert Johannsen (1914)
"nicol prism (1828).—The first polarizing prism of Iceland spar was invented by W. ... If, now, a ray of light falls upon one end of the nicol prism, ..."

3. Introduction to the Study of Minerals: A Combined Textbook and Pocket Manual by Austin Flint Rogers (1912)
"nicol prism. This behavior is good evidence, if not proof, that in doubly ... THE nicol prism The principal device for producing polarized light is a Nicol ..."

4. The Harvard Classics by Charles William Eliot (1910)
"Now I put in the lantern an instrument called a " nicol prism," which also gives ... The nicol prism takes advantage of the property which the spar has of ..."

5. A Handbook of Sugar Analysis: A Practical and Descriptive Treatise for Use by Charles Albert Browne (1912)
"Let AFCE represent a principal section of the nicol prism (Fig. 45). A beam of light LT entering parallel to the long sides ..."

6. Elementary Chemical Microscopy by Émile Monnin Chamot (1915)
"Polarization without a nicol prism. — When employing the hot stage microscope it is sometimes essential to obtain polarized light, yet have the substage ..."

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