Wedge Prisms: Precision Beam Control in Optical Systems

In modern optical engineering, wedge prisms stand out as essential components for precise beam manipulation. These specialized optical elements feature precisely angled surfaces that enable controlled deflection and dynamic scanning of laser beams, making them indispensable in advanced optical systems.

The unique geometry of wedge prisms causes incident light to refract toward the thicker side of the prism. The deflection angle depends on the wedge angle—larger angles produce greater beam deviation. A single wedge prism typically deflects light by 2° to 10°, while a pair of prisms can be combined to achieve more complex beam control, including elliptical beam correction and 4θ angular deflection range (where θ is the single-prism deflection angle).

Bena Optics: High-Precision Wedge Prism Solutions

Bena Optics delivers premium wedge prisms engineered for accuracy and performance. Key features include:

Optical-grade materials (e.g., fused silica) for high transmission and thermal stability

Anti-reflection (AR) coatings to minimize light loss

Tight angular tolerances (±1 arcmin) for precise beam control

Custom designs available for specialized applications

Wedge prisms are widely used in:

Laser beam shaping & steering – Correcting asymmetric laser outputs in machining and engraving systems

Imaging & sensing – Adjusting beam paths in infrared imaging, remote sensing, and irregular-shape scanning

Tunable lasers & optical instruments – Fine-tuning optical alignment for enhanced performance

Advanced Beam Control with Dual Wedge Prisms

A dual-wedge prism system enables 2D beam steering by independently rotating the prisms. This capability is crucial for:

Laser scanning systems (e.g., LiDAR)

Dynamic beam positioning in industrial and scientific applications

Future Prospects

As optical technology evolves, wedge prisms will continue to play a vital role in laser systems, imaging, and beyond. Bena Optics remains committed to advancing precision optics, offering innovative solutions to meet the growing demands of the industry.