3D homogeneity study in PMMA layers using a Fourier domain OCT system

• OCT system proof of principle to inspect internal homogeneity of polymers.
• Experimental study in PMMA layers embedded with copper micro-particles.
• Single shot B-scan for fast volumetric measurements.
• High resolution 3D tomographic images obtained with a low cost system.
• Use of the 3D optical phase information to detect void and internal homogeneity regions.
• Fast inspection in polymers using optical phase.

Micro-metallic particles embedded in polymers are now widely used in several industrial applications in order to modify the mechanical properties of the bulk. A uniform distribution of these particles inside the polymers is highly desired for instance, when a biological backscattering is simulated or a bio-framework is designed. A 3D Fourier domain optical coherence tomography system to detect the polymer's internal homogeneity is proposed. This optical system has a 2D camera sensor array that records a fringe pattern used to reconstruct with a single shot the tomographic image of the sample. The system gathers the full 3D tomographic and optical phase information during a controlled deformation by means of a motion linear stage. This stage avoids the use of expensive tilting stages, which in addition are commonly controlled by piezo drivers. As proof of principle, a series of different deformations were proposed to detect the uniform or non-uniform internal deposition of copper micro particles. The results are presented as images coming from the 3D tomographic micro reconstruction of the samples, and the 3D optical phase information that identifies the in-homogeneity regions within the Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) volume.