Despite the name containing the term “cube”, corner cube prisms are generally not having the geometric form of a cube. Instead, the input/output side is oriented roughly perpendicular to the direction of incoming beams, and opposite to it there is the “corner” formed by three mutually perpendicular surfaces. The exact orientation of the input/output surface is not critical, but it is easier to have an effective anti-reflection coating when the incidence is roughly perpendicular. Usually, the input/output surface is equipped with a broadband AR coating. Imperfect operation of the coating leads to a parasitic reflected beam.

Corner cube prisms may be supplied as bare prisms, or together with holds for mounting e.g. to a surface. They are often used in the context of optical metrology, e.g. in interferometers, and in spectroscopy.

A corner cube, also known as a retroreflector, is an optical component with the unique ability to return an incoming beam of light directly towards its point of origin regardless of the beam’s angle of entry. This property makes this prism type ideal for a wide variety of applications, such as laser resonator cavities, land surveying, ground based range-finding, satellite communications and space vehicle docking.

Yasi can offer a wide variety of retroreflectors at competitive prices and lead times, and are able to accommodate the most demanding requirements. Custom laser-line and broadband anti-reflection coatings are available on the entry faces; and protected aluminum, silver, or gold coatings are available on the reflecting faces to enhance total internal reflection