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

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Optical physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Understanding liquid film behavior is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications.
• Characterizing the 3D profile of thin liquid films, especially during dynamic processes like receding menisci, presents significant challenges.
• Existing methods may struggle with dynamic changes, strong interface slopes, or specific thickness ranges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and validate the optical grid deflection method for reconstructing the 3D profile of liquid films.
• To demonstrate the method's applicability to liquid films deposited by receding liquid menisci.
• To highlight the technique's suitability for dynamic film evolution and various interface conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes the refractive properties of the liquid film surface.
• Employs an optical grid deflection technique to capture surface deformation.
• Assumes locally unidirectional refraction for analysis.
• Applicable to transparent substrates and fluid media.

Main Results:

• Successfully reconstructs the 3D profile of liquid films from micron to millimeter thickness.
• Effective for films with strong interface slopes and time-varying shapes.
• Demonstrates suitability for transparent systems where substrate and fluid media allow optical access.

Conclusions:

• The optical grid deflection method offers a robust approach for 3D liquid film profile reconstruction.
• This technique is particularly valuable for studying dynamic phenomena like contact angle evolution and dewetting.
• It provides a versatile tool for analyzing liquid film dynamics in transparent systems.