A quantitative method for analysing AFM images of the outer surfaces of human hair.
Cuticle step height is an important parameter for the quantitative assessment of human hair. This paper describes a novel, computational method for the rapid calculation of step heights from atomic force microscope images obtained from large numbers of specimens. Such an approach is necessary to allow a statistical analysis of the inherently wide distribution of cuticle step heights characteristic of a single hair sample. The method described will be of use to cosmetic formulation chemists and forensic scientists and also to dermatologists in the field of disease diagnosis.
Smith
J R
JR
Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Biomedical and Physical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, U.K.
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006197:Hair / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D012535:Scalp / Q000648:ultrastructure