Optics
Prism
A glass wedge splits the light: a spectrum spread across the frame.
Controls
- spread
- How sharply the wedge is cut. The steeper the angle, the further the spectrum pulls apart
- angle
- Which way the wedge is turned. The spectrum always stretches across the refracting edge
- bands
- How many wavelengths are summed. Few leaves separate coloured copies, many blend into a smooth rainbow
- apex
- Where the wedge is thinnest. At the middle the centre of the frame stays clean and the colour parts towards both edges
- bypass
- How much light misses the wedge, as when it is held only halfway across the frame