Prism Lab

Prism Lab

Refraction and optics bench

287 ratings
5 reviews
Free

Details

Released
January 16, 2009
Updated
October 12, 2026

Features

Prism Lab screenshot #1 for iPhone
Prism Lab screenshot #2 for iPhone
Prism Lab screenshot #3 for iPhone
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Prism Lab screenshot #5 for iPhone
Prism Lab screenshot #6 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

This application simulates lasers passing through prisms, demonstrating light refraction and reflection using Snell's Law. Users can adjust light sources, materials, and prism shapes to observe how light's trajectory changes between environments. It's a practical tool for understanding optical principles.

✓Laser refraction simulation
✓Snell's Law implementation
✓Adjustable light source
✓Variable prism shapes
✓Different material options
✓Angle calculation
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What's New in Prism Lab

2.0.0

October 12, 2026

Prism Lab is back, rebuilt from scratch for today's iPhone and iPad. • A new look: graph paper, ink and a highlighter-yellow beam. • White light that splits into colours. • Tap an angle to type it. • Lights-off mode. • Laser colour and width settings. • 119 materials, with measured dispersion for 77 of them.

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User reviews

Needs a little work

Buttons don't work to select from the environment and prism index libraries. It would also be nice to have the ability to change the wavelength of the laser.

Needs reflection

Put in the reflected angle.

Pretty nifty little application

As an Optical Engineer, I find this app an intriguing little tool just to use for showing my friends or illustrating something. Simple and yet very well done. The list of material refractive indices is very very complete. That alone makes it useful to have on me. Only thing I would want would be a few more prisms or maybe even the ability to create our own by dragging some handles around. Perhaps even prism unfolding, but that's just me being hopeful. Excellent for being free!
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Awesome

It Seems like you copied IOR for the mass thing, but great job

Perfect!

This application is awesome. It computes then formulas quite accurately. It is definetly worth the purchase. It does exactly what it says it does!! Great job!!!!

Developer apps

FAQ

What is Prism Lab?

Prism Lab is a free educational application that simulates how lasers refract and reflect when passing through prisms. It uses Snell's Law to calculate the changes in light's trajectory as it moves between different environments.

How does Prism Lab work?

The app allows users to move a light source and observe how light interacts with various prism shapes and materials. It calculates entry and exit angles, demonstrating principles of reflection and refraction based on the properties of the materials involved.

Who would find Prism Lab useful?

Prism Lab is particularly useful for individuals studying physics or optics, including students and professionals. It provides a hands-on, visual way to grasp complex optical phenomena.

Does Prism Lab have ads?

No, Prism Lab does not contain advertisements. It is a free application without any in-app purchases or ad support.

What devices does Prism Lab support?

Prism Lab is available for iPhone and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS platforms.

How often is Prism Lab updated?

The application was last updated on January 16, 2009, with version 1.0.0. There have been no subsequent updates listed.

What is the age rating for Prism Lab?

Prism Lab has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in educational simulations.

Can I track my progress in Prism Lab?

Prism Lab is a simulation tool focused on demonstrating optical principles rather than tracking user progress. It allows for experimentation with different scenarios to understand concepts.