Wollaston prism

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-010294",
  "term": "Wollaston prism",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "An optical component that splits a single beam of unpolarized light into two separate, orthogonally polarized beams that diverge at a fixed angle. It is constructed from two triangular prisms of a birefringent crystal, such as calcite, cemented together with their optic axes oriented perpendicularly. These prisms are incorporated into instruments like polarimeters used for atmospheric remote sensing to measure the polarization state of light scattered by aerosols and clouds.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/wollaston-prism/"
}