The equilibrium distribution of particles dispersed in an aqueous solute situated in a centrifugal accelerative field is routinely studied by means of an optical trace recorded photographically. Rayleigh interferometric fringe patterns have been widely used to give this trace, in which the displacement of the parallel fringes is directly related to particle concentration differences. We have developed a simple but highly efficient frameshift algorithm for automatic interpretation of these patternsl . Results obtained from extensive use and further definition of this algorithm confirm its validity and utility. We have also studied algorithms for the interpretation of Fresnel fringe patterns yielded by an alternative optical system. These more complex patterns involving non parallel fringes can be analysed successfully, subject to certain conditions, with a precision similar to that obtained using Rayleigh interference optics.

Date Published: 20 November 1989
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 1163, Fringe Pattern Analysis, (20 November 1989); doi: 10.1117/12.962789

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1163:
Fringe Pattern Analysis
Graeme T. Reid, Editor(s)