3D reconstruction of dynamic liquid film shape by optical grid deflection method

TL;DR

This paper presents an optical grid deflection method for 3D reconstruction of liquid film shapes, effectively capturing dynamic changes in film profiles with high interface slopes using optical refraction principles.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel optical grid deflection technique for 3D liquid film profiling, suitable for dynamic, transparent liquid interfaces with steep slopes.

Findings

Effective for films from microns to millimeters thick

Capable of tracking dynamic contact angles and dewetting processes

Works with transparent substrates and fluids

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the optical grid deflection method used to reconstruct the 3D profile of liquid films deposited by a receding liquid meniscus. This technique uses the refractive properties of the film surface and is suitable for liquid thickness from several microns to millimeter. This method works well for strong interface slopes and changing in time film shape; it applies when the substrate and fluid media are transparent. The refraction is assumed to be locally unidirectional. The method is particularly appropriate to follow the evolution of parameters such as dynamic contact angle, triple liquid-gas-solid contact line velocity or dewetting ridge thickness.