Rainbow surface tension analysis.
In this paper we outline a new all-optical non-contact technique for measurement of the surface tension of a Newtonian fluid. It is based on the accurate measurement of the spacing of the supernumerary fringes produced by the diffraction pattern of a laser beam transmitted through or reflected by a thin vertically-draining film of the liquid. We discuss the basic theory and application of this technique, and several issues which must be addressed before it can be used commercially.
Adler
Charles L
CL
Department of Physics, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD 20686, USA. cladler@smcm.edu
Smith
Valen A
VA
Haddad
Natalie M
NM
D000465:Algorithms; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D012031:Refractometry / Q000379:methods*; D013500:Surface Tension