Optical microscopy phase measurements

Ahm, 1974Zap] Optical microscopy, dilatometric measurements, DTA, X-ray analysis Temperature-composition sections at 2 mass% Cu and 2 to 18 mass% Cr at 4 mass% Cu and 2 to 18 mass% Cr a/y phase boundaries... 

While electron or ion beam techniques can only be applied under ultra-high vacuum, optical techniques have no specific requirements concerning sample environment and are generally easier to use. The surface information which can be obtained is, however, quite different and mostly does not contain direct chemical information. While with infra-red attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (IR-ATR) a deep surface area with a typical depth of some micrometers is investigated, other techniques like phase-measurement interference microscopy (PMIM) have, due to interference effects, a much better surface sensitivity. PMIM is a very quick technique for surface roughness and homogeneity inspection with subnanometer resolution. 

Measurements of melting curves can be used to obtain very accurate evaluations of the melting point of a compound when slow heating rates are used. The phase transition can also be monitored visually, with the operator marking the onset and completion of the melting process. This is most appropriately performed in conjunction with optical microscopy, thus yielding the combined method of thermomicroscopy or hot-stage microscopy [7]. 

The PTFE samples were irradiated with 300 keV Ar ions to fluenees from 1x10 1x1 o cm". The thickness of ablated layer, determined by optical microscopy, was found to be an increasing fimction of the ion fluence for the fluence of IxlO cm" about 14 pm of PTFE was removed by ion irradiation. XRD measurement shows gradual loos of PTFE crystalline phase with incresing ion fluence. 

Powerful methods that have been developed more recently, and are currently used to observe surface micro topographs of crystal faces, include scanning tunnel microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and phase shifting microscopy (PSM). Both STM and AFM use microscopes that (i) are able to detect and measure the differences in levels of nanometer order (ii) can increase two-dimensional magnification, and (iii) will increase the detection of the horizontal limit beyond that achievable with phase contrast or differential interference contrast microscopy. The presence of two-dimensional nuclei on terraced surfaces between steps, which were not observable under optical microscopes, has been successfully detected by these methods [8], [9]. In situ observation of the movement of steps of nanometer order in height is also made possible by these techniques. However, it is possible to observe step movement in situ, and to measure the surface driving force using optical microscopy. The latter measurement is not possible by STM and AFM. 

Fig. 11.1. Direct optical imaging of lipid-coated microbubbles (LCM) by phase-measurement interferometric microscopy (see text). (Taken from ref. 527.)...

Measurements. The morphology of the blends was studied by optical microscopy (Leitz Dialux Pol), transmission electron microscopy (Jeol 100 U), and scanning electron microscopy (Cambridge MK II). Ultramicrotome sections were made with an LKB Ultratome III. Samples for scanning electron microscopy were obtained by fracturing sheets at low temperature. The fracture surfaces were etched with a 30% potassium hydroxide solution to hydrolyse the polycarbonate phase. Stress-relaxation and tensile stress-strain experiments were performed with an Instron testing machine equipped with a thermostatic chamber. Relaxation measurements were carried out in flexion (E > 108 dyn/cm2) or in traction (E < 108 dyn/cm2). Prior to each experiment, the samples were annealed to obtain volumetric equilibrium. 

Utilization of the single hydrogen bond between pyridine and benzoic acids in SLCP s has been a source of inspiration for other groups in the development of main-chain supramolecular polymers based on diacids and dipyridines.53-56 Supramolecular rod-coil polymers have been developed by assembly of 4,4 -bipyridines and telechelic polypropylene oxide with benzoic acid end-groups, which show highly ordered liquid crystalline phases.57 The use of tartaric acid derivatives in combination with bipyridine units resulted in the formation of hydrogen-bonded, chiral main-chain LCP s, as has been shown by circular dichroism measurements, optical microscopy, and X-ray data.58,59... 

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