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

Looking at various points of the blue firmament through a Nicol prism, and turning the prism round its axis, we soon notice variations of brightness.

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

Light is polarized in several ways—by reflection, by transmission, but most commonly through what I have here, a prism of calcite, or Iceland spar, commonly called a Nicol prism.

From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

We have, first, our electric lamp, then a Nicol prism, to polarize the beam emergent from the lamp; then an electro-magnet, then a second Nicol, and finally our screen.

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

The color changing device, consisting of Nicol prism and quartz plate, is fitted with a divided circle reading to single degrees.

From Astronomical Instruments and Accessories by William Gaertner and Company

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