A Schmidt–Pechan prism is a type of

optical prism Prism usually refers to: * Prism (optics), a transparent optical component with flat surfaces that refract light * Prism (geometry), a kind of polyhedron Prism may also refer to: Science and mathematics * Prism (geology), a type of sedimenta ...

used to rotate an image by 180°. These prisms are commonly used in

binoculars Binoculars or field glasses are two refracting telescopes mounted side-by-side and aligned to point in the same direction, allowing the viewer to use both eyes (binocular vision) when viewing distant objects. Most binoculars are sized to be held ...

as an ''image erecting system''. The Schmidt–Pechan prism makes use of a roof prism section (from the German: "Dachkante", lit. ''roof edge''). Binoculars designs using Schmidt–Pechan prisms can be constructed more compactly than ones using

Porro The porro is a musical style and dance from the Caribbean region of Colombia. It is a Colombian cumbia rhythm that developed into its own subgenre. It was originally a folkloric expression from the Sinú River area that evolved into a ballro ...

or Uppendahl roof and Abbe–Koenig roof prisms. A Schmidt–Pechan prism is sometimes called a Pechan prism pair.

Method of operation

The Schmidt-Pechan is based on the

Pechan prism Pechan is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Albert Pechan (1902–1969), American politician * Karel Pechan (1901–?), Czech cyclist {{Short pages monitor