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

See Examples For:

Nicol prism

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 Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve

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

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

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

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 Ernst Leitz

A Nicol prism large enough to embrace the entire beam of the electric lamp was placed between the lamp and the experimental tube.

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