Holographic interferometric microscopy of polymer crystallization.

The application of holographic interference microscopy to the study of polymer crystallization from the melt is described. The two holographic interferometric techniques that have been found to be most suitable in the study of polymer systems utilize (1) the double exposure hologram and (2) the simultaneous wavefront reconstruction from two separate holograms. Results indicate that both methods are essential. The initial evaluation of the origin and magnitude of optical path changes requires the application of both interferometric approaches. This study establishes the feasibility of holographic interferometric methods for the study of secondary crystallization in polymer systems and for the characterization of morphological boundaries in polymer melts.