Sorry for the Off-Topic nature of this query, but I seem to remember that there are few Optics Experts on this exploder.
We have a light source that produces a finely-focussed line of LED light. The system comprises a light source with its large heatsink and a pretty standard looking C-mount lens that screws into the end. Adjusting the focus of the lens changes the sharpness of the line.
If I remove the lens and shine the light source onto a sheet of paper, I see a circular pattern of 4 quadrants of blue light, divided by a dark cross.
In our application, we would ideally like to bend the light so that the line is projected onto a surface at 90 degrees to the axis of the light source.
If I fit a C-mount prism in place of the lens, and screw the lens onto the output side of the prism, will I get that same sharply-focussed line?
Or, do I have to fit the prism after the lens?
My Secondary School physics from 40 years ago has rather let me down, so I need help.
I can't even see how a dark cross gets transformed into a bright line. Must be magic...
Cheers,
John