180-Degree Deflection (Retroreflector):

• In this configuration, the hypotenuse face is used as both the entrance and exit face for the light.
• The main application of a right-angle prism as a retroreflector occurs when the plane of the incident beam includes the vertex of the prism.
• Total internal reflection occurs at the hypotenuse face when the incident beam angle is such that the light cannot escape the prism. This results in the light being redirected back along its original path, effectively achieving a 180-degree deflection.
• Retroreflectors are often used in various applications, such as surveying equipment, road signs, and motion capture systems, to ensure that light is reflected back towards its source.

In both cases, the right-angle prism is used to change the direction of light: the 90° deflection creates an erect but reversed image, while the 180° deflection serves as a retroreflector for specific applications. The choice between these configurations depends on the intended use and the desired optical outcomes. The antireflection coating significantly boosts lens transmission efficiency by minimizing surface reflections across the 430-700 nm wavelength range. This coating performs exceptionally well across different visible wavelengths and tunable lasers, reducing the need for multiple optical components.