The measurement of the surface energy is an important possibility for the characterisation of surfaces and is used in particular on thin films and interfaces. The measuring principle is based on putting a drop of a liquid onto a surface. The form of the drop is typical for the interaction of the liquid with the material surface.

Recently, at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Technology Vienna (Thin Film Group), an instrument has been used which allows the measurement of the surface energy under high vacuum and at temperatures up to 2000°C. The liquid which forms the drop in this case is often a metal glaze. The evaluation of the measurements takes place after the test on the basis of video recordings, whose evaluation is very time-consuming.

Hence, the possibility of an automated evaluation of the measurements was examined within the setting of a student’s diploma thesis at the HTBL Hollabrunn:

• The challenge of this real time measurement resulted in particular from the often appearing contrast change of the droplets on the surface during the examination.
• The software was tested in typical environments and the possibility and limits of an automatic evaluation were examined and documented.
• This project allowed the involved students to apply their acquired knowledge (theory lessons) and practice (workshop) at a concrete example together with a university institute.
• In addition, there was the possibility for the students to get to know life at a university and to take part in it actively.

This project has been completed.