Optical testing

Optical testing methods are methods based on the use of light to examine materials or samples. These methods use the properties of light, such as reflection, refraction, absorption, or scattering, to obtain information about the nature of the sample.

Optical testing methods used at Fraunhofer IMWS:

Light microscopy

Light microscopy uses visible light to illuminate the sample and produce a magnified image. By observing the image, information about the structure, surface properties, and other characteristics of the sample can be obtained.

Transmitted light and reflected light microscopy

Transmitted light microscopy refers to illuminating the sample from below, while reflected light microscopy illuminates the sample from above. Transmitted light microscopy is well suited for examining thin samples, while reflected light microscopy makes surface features more visible.

Dark field and phase contrast microscopy

These techniques enable the visualization of transparent or low-contrast samples that would be difficult to see in a conventional bright field microscope. Dark field microscopy uses scattered light, while phase contrast microscopy uses the phase shift of light through the sample.

Fluorescence microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy uses fluorescent dyes to label and visualize specific components or molecules in the sample. This enables the investigation of cellular processes, protein localization, and other biological processes. These optical testing methods have a wide range of applications in various fields such as materials science, biology, medicine, forensics, and quality control. They offer a non-invasive and non-destructive method of obtaining information about the materials under investigation.