Abstract
TOLANSKY has described1 an elegant method for observing, with a microscope, features of the three-dimensional profiles of particles and other small objects. For a particle of known geometry, it is correct to say that the height can be measured accurately from the length of a shadow, which may be produced by Tolansky's method or by the usual metal shadow-casting technique. For a particle of irregular shape, however, such as a dust particle, height can only be determined approximately, for the following reasons, which are illustrated in the diagram: (i) the peak may not be in a position to throw the longest shadow ; (ii) the plan position of the peak is not known, and consequently neither is that of the base line from which to measure the length of the shadow.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Tolansky, S., Nature, 171, 364 (1953).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
WATSON, H. Shadow Microscopy for Measurement of Height. Nature 173, 362 (1954). https://doi.org/10.1038/173362a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/173362a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.