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

On the table of the sahibs are scattered lots of Nicol prisms, lens and eye-pieces.

From New York Times

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Among others, the carefully considered modifications of the Nicol prism which have recently been devised by Prof. S.P.

From Project Gutenberg

Two Nicol prisms play the same part as the two plates of tourmaline.

From Project Gutenberg