Use of prisms vs use of mirrors in periscope

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the advantages of using prisms over mirrors in periscopes, specifically noting that prisms facilitate total internal reflection, resulting in 100% light intensity retention, while mirrors only reflect light and may degrade over time. The participants emphasize that prisms provide superior image quality in terms of sharpness, brightness, and color accuracy. Additionally, modern periscopes increasingly incorporate fiber optics, which further enhances performance and image quality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of total internal reflection principles
  • Knowledge of optical components such as prisms and mirrors
  • Familiarity with image quality metrics (sharpness, brightness, color accuracy)
  • Basic concepts of fiber optics technology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of total internal reflection in optics
  • Explore the differences in image quality between prisms and mirrors in optical devices
  • Investigate the role of fiber optics in modern optical systems
  • Examine the degradation processes of reflective surfaces in mirrors
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for optical engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in the design and optimization of optical systems, particularly in applications requiring high image quality and durability.

wlng81
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Hi experts,

I am aware using prisms enable total internal reflection while using mirrors there is only reflection of light. The difference is that in the former there is 100% light intensity after reflection while the latter does not.
I have also read that using prisms is better than using mirrors as the reflective surfaces of the mirrors may degrade with time.
My question is: What about the image quality (e.g. sharpness, brightness, colour accuracy)?

Thank you in advance.
 
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wlng81 said:
Hi experts,

I am aware using prisms enable total internal reflection while using mirrors there is only reflection of light. The difference is that in the former there is 100% light intensity after reflection while the latter does not.
I have also read that using prisms is better than using mirrors as the reflective surfaces of the mirrors may degrade with time.
My question is: What about the image quality (e.g. sharpness, brightness, colour accuracy)?.

A good primer:
http://www.edmundoptics.com/globala...es/beam-manipulation-prisms-vs-mirrors-en.pdf

Modern periscopes use fiber optics...
 
Any reason why
 

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