Surface profiling using fringe projection technique based on Lau effect

In this paper, the surface profile of objects is determined by using a grating projection system. The method is based on the concept of self-imaging, namely, the Lau effect. Periodic fringe patterns are generated from the projection of a grating illuminated by multiple mutually incoherent quasi-plane wavefront. The fringe patterns are then projected on to the object surface and the deformed grating image is captured by a CCD camera for subsequent analysis. Phase shifting techniques have been employed to determine the phase value. With suitable calibration of the system and the phase value obtained, the surface profile of the objects can be determined. The phase variation is achieved by using a linear translation stage incorporated to the grating. In this study, two specimens are tested to demonstrate the validity of the method. One is a spherical cap with a height of 4 mm, and the other is a coin. The experimental results are compared with results obtained by mechanical stylus method. In the case of the spherical cap the results are also compared with fringe projection method based on Talbot effect.