interface, as well as a final refraction on exit from the upper side of the prism.

Uses

Nicol prisms were once widely used in mineralogical microscopy and polarimetry, and the term "using crossed Nicols" (abbreviated as XN) is still used to refer to the observing of a sample placed between orthogonally oriented polarizers.

In most instruments, however, Nicol prisms have been replaced by other types of polarizers such as polaroid

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