K9 Corner Cube Retroreflector front product view on a dark background
Angled view of K9 Corner Cube Retroreflector for beam steering, image rotation and optical alignment

SO-P04 SERIES

K9 Corner Cube Retroreflector

SO-P04 solid corner cube retroreflectors return an incident beam toward its source through three internal reflections. The series is intended for alignment, surveying, metrology and laser systems that require reliable beam return with reduced sensitivity to prism orientation.

  • H-K9L precision-annealed optical glass
  • Surface irregularity up to lambda/10 at 632.8 nm
  • Uncoated, VIS, NIR and SWIR options
  • Diameters from 8 to 72.5 millimetres
H-K9L Optical Glass 8-72.5 mm Diameter 350-1700 nm Options
$161.76
$161.76

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Product Overview

Stable beam return for alignment and measurement systems

A corner cube retroreflector redirects light through three mutually perpendicular reflecting surfaces, producing a return path nominally parallel to the incoming beam. Unlike a conventional flat mirror, its return direction is less sensitive to small mounting rotations, which makes the geometry useful in optical alignment, distance measurement, interferometry and surveying equipment.

Choose an uncoated model for broadband laboratory work within the usable transmission range of K9 glass. Coated versions add a protected silver reflective coating to the three rear faces and an antireflection coating on the entrance face for VIS, NIR or SWIR systems. Model-level dimensions, coating and deflection-angle specifications are listed in the selector below.

Select a Model

models

Engineering Guidance

Choose the configuration around the optical path

Operating principle

The three mutually perpendicular rear surfaces return a collimated beam toward its source. The returned image is inverted and rotated by 180 degrees, while the beam direction remains comparatively insensitive to small prism rotations.

Coating selection

  • Uncoated: broadband laboratory and visible alignment use.
  • VIS: 400-700 nm entrance-face AR coating.
  • NIR: 650-1050 nm entrance-face AR coating.
  • SWIR: 1050-1700 nm entrance-face AR coating.

Typical applications

  • Laser tracker and distance measurement systems
  • Interferometric alignment
  • Surveying and positioning instruments
  • Laboratory beam-return references

Need a different diameter, tolerance or coating?

Custom substrate materials, dimensions, angular tolerances and coating bands can be reviewed for prototype and production quantities.

Request Engineering Review

Technical Resources

Related engineering articles

Selection notes and practical guidance matched to this product family.

CANAL GLASS SHOP
TECHNICAL RESOURCE
Optical Fundamentals · 7 min

How Optical Prisms Redirect and Transform a Beam

Review reflection geometry, image orientation and beam deviation across common prism forms.
CANAL GLASS SHOP
TECHNICAL RESOURCE
Material Selection · 6 min

Choosing Prism Materials and Coatings by Wavelength

Compare substrate transmission and coated-face requirements for visible, near-infrared and broadband paths.
CANAL GLASS SHOP
TECHNICAL RESOURCE
Selection Guide · 8 min

Reading Angular Error and Surface Specifications

Understand how angular tolerance, pyramidal error and surface quality affect pointing and image performance.