Optical inspection by internal reflection and spatial filtering

Some optical techniques for surface inspection applications are described. Paper texture is analyzed by a frustrated-total-internal-reflection method followed by spatial filtering of the diffracted pattern. Fibre-optics and micro-lenses are used to obtain a rugged and flexible sensor. Similar sensors are used for defect monitoring of roughly-polished surfaces. The practical aspects of sensor manufacture, speckle and vignetting considerations are discussed.