- Roughness-corrected contact angle and 3D surface roughness
Fringe projection phase shifting method - Interfacial dilatational rheology
Pulsating drop method - Static contact angle
Sessile drop, captive bubble and meniscus methods - Dynamic contact angle
Dynamic contact angle, advancing and receding contact angle, contact angle hysteresis and roll-off angle - Surface free energy
Sessile drop, captive bubble and meniscus methods - Surface- and interfacial tension
Pendant drop and reverse pendant drop methods
What you can measure
A quick view
This short video will give you a quick overview of surface roughness corrected measurements with Theta Topography. Watch it in fullscreen for the best experience!
3 reasons to invest
Innovative instrument
Integrated method
Better comparisons

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Is your surface smooth?
Wettability is typically studied by a contact angle measurement that can be defined with the well-known Young equation on ideal surfaces. Surface free energy theories are also based on assumptions that Young contact angles are used for calculations. Thus, the surface is assumed to be chemically homogenous and topographically smooth. This is, however, not true in the case of real surfaces. It is well established that surface roughness enhances the existing wetting behavior and influence on adhesion.
Theta Topography makes it possible to define Young contact angle and surface free energy measurements as well as measurements for rough surfaces according to the Wenzel theory. The roughness corrected contact angles make it possible to understand the influence of roughness and chemistry on the wettability of your surface, separately. By using the highly accurate motorized XYZ sample stage, you can perform both measurements from the exact same location and map the complete surface to check homogeneity and cleanliness.
Images show a paper sample measured with Theta Topography. Optical image to the left, 2D representation in the middle and 3D to the right.
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A closer look
Theta Topography is based on the high-end tensiometer Theta Flow. Check out the specifications of both specifications for Theta Flow and the 3D Topography module below.
Theta Flow
Available Measurements |
|
Static contact angle and captive bubble |
√ |
Batch contact angle |
√ |
Dynamic contact angle |
√ |
Meniscus contact angle |
√ |
Surface/Interfacial tension |
√ |
3D surface roughness and roughness-corrected contact angle |
√ |
Interfacial rheology |
√ |
Surface free energy |
Zisman Plot, OWRK/Extended Fowkes, van Oss Acid-Base, Wu, Neumann’s Equation of State, Schultz 1 and 2 |
Software and hardware |
|
Measuring range (°, mN/m) |
0…180, 0.01…2000 |
Accuracy (°, mN/m) |
±0.1, ±0.01 |
Maximum sample size (mm) |
Unlimited×100×320 |
Integrated sample holders |
√ |
Maximum resolution (px) |
2592 x 2048 (5 MP) |
Maximum measuring speed (fps) |
3422 |
Camera |
CMOS 1'' USB 3.0 digital camera with zoom |
Image focusing |
Software-controlled autofocus, manual fine focus in optics |
Image quality |
Enhanced with DropletPlus technology, native |
Camera protection |
Inside instrument covers |
Camera view angle (°) |
-4.5 ... 2.5, with digital scale |
Light source and size |
LED based homogeneous background lighting, 62 x 62 mm |
Field of view (Ø, mm) |
1.44…45.3 |
Measurement indicator LED |
√ |
Integrated touch display |
√ |
Environment monitoring |
√ |
Disposable tip dispensing |
√ |
Software |
OneAttension, includes all measurement modes |
Dimensions — Basic frame (L×W×H, mm) |
765 x 230 x 435 |
Weight — Basic frame (kg) |
29 |
Power supply (VAC) |
100...240 |
Frequency (Hz) |
50...60 |
3D Topography module
Hardware | Other specifications |
Dimensions: 17 cm x 16.5 cm x 11.5 cm | Method name: Fringe projection phase-shifting |
Weight: 2.6 kg | XY pixel size: 1.1 μm x 1.1 μm |
Power supply: 100 - 240 V AC | Measured range in Z direction: 1 μm – 60 μm |
Frequency: 50 - 60 Hz | Axial resolution: 4 nm |
System requirements | Lateral sampling: 1.41 mm x 1.06 mm (XY). (Stitching option up to 4.2 mm x 4.2 mm) |
Antivibration or stone table recommended | Working distance: 18 mm |
Motorized XYZ sample stage required | Maximum sample size on sample stage: Unlimited x 320 mm x 22 mm (L x W x H) |
Imaging options: Optical image, 2D roughness map, 3D roughness map |
|
Measurement duration per one measurement: 5-30 s (1280 x 960 measurement points) |
|
Analysis parameters (ISO 4287, ISO 4288): • r (for Wenzel equation) • θc, roughness corrected contact angle/Wenzel contact angle • Sdr (%), Sa (um), Sq (um) • Horizontal, vertical and from chosen 2D line segment Ra, Rq, Rp, Rv, Rz, R10z |
|
Waviness filtering: Gaussian high pass filter (ISO 11562) | |
Sample requirements/limitations: Diffuse reflecting surface required |
OneAttension Software
We made our software for Theta Topography with you in mind. It is a fine combination of a very intuitive interface and high functionality. Follow your experiment live, and get the results within seconds. OneAttension is analyzing made easy. Let's have a look at the features!
OneAttension Features
- User friendly interface
To get you going in no time - Fully automated measurements
Saving your time and avoiding user dependency - Automatic baseline detection and drop shape fitting
Just to simplify for you - Autofocus keeps the picture sharp
Less user-dependency, more accuracy - Seamless interplay with integrated touch screen
Set up your measurements in seconds - Optimized image quality
Ultra-high resolution image optimized for reliable results - Automatic roughness-corrected contact angle
Distinguish surface roughness from surface chemistry - Versatile roughness parameters
Selection of both 3D and 2D parameters with one measurement - Image your surface
Optical image, 2D representation and 3D representation of the surface are given - Surface mapping of larger areas
Stitching function combines several scans into one large image
Add more possibilities
Have a look at a few of the additional modules compatible with Theta Topography. You can find the full range of accessories below.

Tilting cradle
A software controlled tilting cradle. Used for studying dynamic contact angles. Tilting range from 0 to 90° and tilting resolution 0.1°. The vacuum stage top C204B is recommended to be used with this option.

Picoliter Dispenser

Measuring chamber, electrically heated, 250° C
Thermostatted electrically heated measuring chamber for air phase temperature control of substrate and drop.

Pulsating Drop Module - PD200
Software controlled drop size pulsing for interfacial rheology measurement of viscoelastic properties of interfacial layers at liquid-air or liquid-liquid interfaces.
What others say
Our instruments are present at many prestigious universities and research facilities world wide. Take a minute to find out what others say about Theta Flow.
Mika Latikka, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Soft Matter and Wetting. Aalto University

Aalto University, Finland
Aalto University is a top Finnish university combining science, technology and arts into a collaborative environment for both scientific communities and companies. Our contact angle meters and tensiometers have been used there in research for decades.
Researcher at MIT, US
“The reproducibility of the measurements acquired is excellent even with the lowest surface energy values and the tensiometers are quite flexible with regards to sample size. The software is also very useful and the customer support for the products is excellent.”

MIT, US
MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a world-leading research university with a mission to advance knowledge and educate students in science and technology. MIT uses our tensiometers to study contact angles and interfacial energy.
Learn more
We have gathered all our in-depth knowledge associated with Theta Topography. Browse around amongst overviews, case studies and white papers to find a topic of your interest.
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The Importance of Contact Angle in Industry
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Effect of Wettability in Biomedical Applications
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The Influence of Surface Roughness on Wettability
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Contact Angle - What is it and how do you measure it?
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Determination of Optimal Plasma Treatment Time of Polypropylene
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Surface Tension and Surfactants in Industrial Processes
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Using Contact Angle Measurements in Surface Research and Quality Control
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Wettability Measurements in Biomedical Applications
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