Coherence probe microscopy imaging and analysis for fiber-reinforced polymers

Abstract

The potential of full-field low coherence interferometric techniques for imaging internal structures, such as fibers, interfaces, or inclusions in technical materials is demonstrated by our coherence probe microscopy (CPM) setup. However, the huge amount of recorded data demand for an automatized enhancement and evaluation of the image data. We propose an automatic image analysis procedure adapted for full-field coherence probe microscopy, which we tested on fiber composite materials. The performed image enhancement and orientation analysis finally allow to cluster the internal fiber structures, to detect outliers and enable an improved characterization of investigated specimens supporting a sophisticated material design for the future. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.