3D optical sectioning and image analysis of particles in biphasic systems

We present a new technique to characterize the size distribution of the dispersed phase in a biphasic system. The technique is based on 3D optical sectioning of the sample through motorised microscope control. Images are digitised for off-line automated analysis, which is implemented by applying an algorithm to recognise and measure spherical inclusions. The particle size distribution is hence determined and statistical methods are used to estimate the sampling error. A 3D reconstruction of the microstructure is also performed, thus allowing one to estimate possible sample heterogeneities.