Abstract

Generalizations are given of the retrodirective “rooftop” and 90° deflecting prisms (called “director” and “deflector,” respectively) to angles other than 180° and 90°. The director can be viewed as a combination of two deflectors; a deflector is part of an isosceles triangle prism. In both cases, parallel rays have equal optical paths in the element. There is no change in the direction of the emerging beam when the director rotates about an axis parallel to its ridge. For normally incident rays, achromaticity is achieved in both cases. More than two deflectors can be combined, and deflectors of different angles mixed, to yield totally internally reflecting paths of adjustable direction which are image preserving. Variable path length can also be achieved. For normal incidence, achromaticity is preserved independently of optical path length or direction.

© 1963 Optical Society of America

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