Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism — Formula Sheet

δ = i + i′ − A

r + r′ = A

n = sin[(A+δm)/2] / sin(A/2)

δm = (n−1)A

δmax = 90° + i′ − A

θ = δV − δR

θ = (nV − nR)A

δY = (δV + δR)/2

n = c/v

nV > nR

ω = (δV−δR)/δY = (nV−nR)A / (nY−1)A

ω = (nF−nC)/(nD−1)

The critical angle is C = sin⁻¹(1/n).

At minimum deviation, i = i' and r = r' = A/2.

Formula for refractive index at minimum deviation

n = sin[(A + δm)/2] / sin(A/2).

For a thin prism with angle A nearly 5° or less, the deviation is δm = (n−1)A.