Processing of high-resolution images of irradiated ceramics

Abstract

Mathematical morphology as an image processing and analysis tools is both a science and an art. The theory of mathematical morphology is rooted in topology, where a set-theoretic framework is the basis of binary morphology. Gray-scale morphology is an extension into the space of functions. This rigorous formulation has provided powerful transformations, operating directly on the information content of an image. However, it is up to the investigator’s creativity to devise the appropriate criteria for each problem at hand.The main focus of the present study is the analysis of image contrast and the relationship with the underlying structure of the material. Image processing and analysis methods based on mathematical morphology were applied to high resolution micrographs of irradiated ceramics: electronirradiated tridymite and ion-irradiated lead pyrophosphate single crystal.The interesting feature of these images is the presence of periodic, aperiodic and partially ordered structures, Fig.s la and 2a.