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

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

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

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

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