Eur. Phys. J. E (2018) 41: 5
https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2018-11611-2

Tips and Tricks

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

¹ PSA, Route de Gisy, 78140, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
² Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INAC, Service des Basses Températures, 38000, Grenoble, France
³ Service de Physique de l’État Condensé, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France

^* e-mail: laura.fourgeaud@gmail.com

Received: 5 July 2017
Accepted: 21 December 2017
Published online: 15 January 2018

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.