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Surface Observation of Various Fibers for Fabrics/ 3D shape observation of a micro area using a laser microscope


Application

Fabrics used for clothing are broadly categorized into natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, cashmere) and chemical fibers (acrylic, polyester). The fiber’s surface condition affect its absorbability, hygroscopicity, heat retention, dye-affinity, and texture. Managing the surface profile of these fibers down to the micron level becomes significant when it comes to enhancing the performance and quality of the fibers.
The surface profile of a fiber is so minute that it is usually observed using an electron microscope. However, electron microscopes require time-consuming sample preparation steps, and they are not very good for quantitative evaluations, such as surface roughness. Because the fibers are very delicate, manufacturers require a method for evaluating the fiber’s quality with minimal sample preparation so that the fibers are not damaged.

The Olympus solution

Olympus' LEXT 3D scanning laser microscope enables users to make three-dimensional observations and roughness measurements of the surface of a fiber. The LEXT features dedicated objective lenses with high numerical apertures and an optical system that obtains maximum performance from the 405 nm laser so it can clearly capture the profile of a curved fiber surface without causing damage.

Human hair

human_hair_50X

Objective lens 50X  

Wool

wool_50X

Objective lens 50X

Cashmere

cashmere_50X

Objective lens 50X

Polyester

polyester_50X

Objective lens 50X  

Acrylic

acrylic_50X

Objective lens 50X

Olympus IMS

Products Used for This Application

The LEXT™ OLS5100 laser scanning microscope combines exceptional accuracy and optical performance with smart tools that make the system easy to use. The tasks of precisely measuring shape and surface roughness at the submicron level are fast and efficient, simplifying your workflow and delivering high-quality data you can trust.

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