Dynamic imaging and analysis of transient mass transfer process using pixelated-array masked phase-shifting interferometry

Precise measurement and visualization of mass transfer process in diffusion system is of critical importance to the control of pollutants, drug diffusion, chemical reaction and crystallization processes, etc. In this study, a Pixelated-Array Masked phase-shifting interferometer system is realized and applied to the measurement of fast mass diffusion process across liquid interface. Such interferometer system is developed with a four-phase polarized image-reconstruction mechanism, thus the transient feature of the non-contact visualization could be achieved with simultaneous image data with high resolution. In this study, the detailed measurement system, the target function and analytical methods are introduced and then applied first to the analysis of C₂H₅OH diffusion in distilled water, where the basic diffusion characteristics are obtained. Then the system is applied to visualize several kinds of alcohol-water diffusion and quantitatively explained the diffusion coefficient of different kinds. Finally, the coupled diffusion and convection processes are visualized and compared by using 50 mg/mL Sodium chloride, Glycerin, and BSA(Bovine serum albumin) solution system. Transient imaging analysis is conducted in this study to show the different characteristics of inorganic, small organic and large molecular (BSA) in water solution. It is confirmed that the current method could provide clear images of field-transportation process. Through those field imaging analysis, the mass transportation process could be better explained.