Nicol prism

American  

[nik-uhl] / ˈnɪk əl /

noun

Optics.

1. one of a pair of prisms used to produce and analyze plane-polarized light in a polarizing microscope.

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Nicol prism British  

/ ˈnɪkəl /

noun

1. a device composed of two prisms of Iceland spar or calcite cut at specified angles and cemented together with Canada balsam. It is used for producing plane-polarized light

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Etymology

Origin of Nicol prism

First recorded in 1870–75; named after William Nicol (1768–1851), British physicist, its inventor

Example Sentences

The Shortened Nicol Prism.—This arrangement of the Nicol prism is constructed by Dr. Steeg and Reuter of Homburg v.d.H.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 441, June 14, 1884. by Various

The Nicol prism, which serves as a polarizer, can, after turning the iris-diaphragm aside, be drawn out from under the latter.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst

It may be utterly quenched by a Nicol prism, the cloud from which it issues being caused to disappear.

From Six Lectures on Light Delivered In The United States In 1872-1873 by Tyndall, John

The zero position of the Nicol prism is indicated by a line, as well as the angles 90, 180, 270°.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst

The rotation of the Nicol prism with the vernier is performed by means of an endless screw.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst