biprism

[ bahy-priz-uhm ]

noun

, Optics.

1. a triangular prism with an apex angle slightly less than 180°: when illuminated by a point source of light it produces two overlapping beams that form an interference pattern on a screen.

biprism

/ ˈbaɪˌprɪzəm /

noun

1. a prism having a highly obtuse angle to facilitate beam splitting

Word History and Origins

Origin of biprism¹

First recorded in 1880–85; bi- ¹ + prism

Example Sentences

In lieu of the biprism, reflectors may be invoked to double the original source of light.

From Project Gutenberg