Method and apparatus for measuring micro structures, anisotropy and birefringence in polymers using laser scattered light
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for measuring birefringence of a moving or static polymer strand during production of the polymer comprising:
- laser means for emitting a laser beam directed at the polymer strand, the laser means penetrating the polymer strand and then backscattering therefrom;
modulation means for modulating the laser means;
collection means for collecting forward backscatter from the polymer strand;
beam splitter means for splitting the backscatter into first and second signals;
detector means for receiving first and second signals from the beam splitter; and
computer means interconnected with the modulation means and the detector means for calculating birefringence.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring microstructures, anistropy and birefringence in polymers using laser scattered light includes a laser which provides a beam that can be conditioned and is directed at a fiber or film which causes the beam to scatter. Backscatter light is received and processed with detectors and beam splitters to obtain data. The data is directed to a computer where it is processed to obtain information about the fiber or film, such as the birefringence and diameter. This information provides a basis for modifications to the production process to enhance the process.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for measuring birefringence of a moving or static polymer strand during production of the polymer comprising:
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laser means for emitting a laser beam directed at the polymer strand, the laser means penetrating the polymer strand and then backscattering therefrom; modulation means for modulating the laser means; collection means for collecting forward backscatter from the polymer strand; beam splitter means for splitting the backscatter into first and second signals; detector means for receiving first and second signals from the beam splitter; and computer means interconnected with the modulation means and the detector means for calculating birefringence. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of determining birefringence of a moving polymer strand during production comprising:
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directing a laser beam at the polymer strand; penetrating the polymer strand with the laser beam; sampling an interior portion the polymer strand with the laser beam; backscattering the laser beam from the polymer strand; collecting the backscatter from the polymer strand; detecting the backscatter; and calculating the birefringence with a computer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of measuring micro structures of a moving polymer strand during production comprising:
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directing a laser beam at a polymer strand; allowing the laser beam to penetrate the polymer strand; scattering the laser beam from the polymer strand; collecting the scattered light; analyzing the scattered light; calculating a value from the scattered light; utilizing the calculated value to determine properties of the polymer strand. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification