Light scattering
Examining how your material scatters light provides a wealth of insight into its behaviour
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Sign upExamining how your material scatters light provides a wealth of insight into its behaviour
Particles scatter light, this is a fundamental fact and similar to how the sky is blue, it is something we all encounter on a daily basis. This is caused by atmospheric particles scattering blue light mores strongly than red light.
The angle of light scatter, the frequency of the light scattering and the intensity of said scatter can be measured to determine the size, the charge and the molecular weight of materials. This is the core of many of our technologies.
When light interacts with particles or molecules, the scattered light depends strongly on their size and physical properties. By measuring the intensity, angle, and fluctuations of scattered light, we can determine particle size and distribution, while fluctuations caused by Brownian motion reveal how particles move and diffuse through a dispersion.
As particles become smaller, however, the intensity of scattered light falls dramatically — a 10 nm particle scatters approximately one million times less light than a 100 nm particle. Different scattering theories and mathematical models, including Rayleigh, Mie and Fraunhofer theory, are therefore applied according to particle size and optical properties to convert the measured scattering signal into meaningful particle size information.
We can look at the nano material at right angles to the laser and track how the particles diffuse (small particles move more rapidly than large particles). From this, it is possible to determine the translational diffusion coefficient (this is known as nanoparticle tracking analysis) or see how the scattered light changes over time as particles pass through it.
If it changes quickly it can be determined that fine particles are present, when it changes slowly then larger particles are present. This forms the basis of dynamic light scattering.
Electrophoretic light scattering involves passing an electric field through a liquid which makes particles move. The larger the charge on the particles, the faster they move.
We pass a laser through the particles and then recombine the scattered light with another part of the same laser that hasn’t been scattered. The resulting interference pattern allows an incredibly accurate measure of the speed of the particles to be measured.
If we measure the light scattering as a function of concentration (of polymers or biopolymers) at a variety of angles we can determine the molecular weight of the material in question and generate information on its structure.
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Light scattering technology finds diverse applications across various industries due to its ability to provide valuable insights into particle size, shape, molecular weight, and other critical parameters.
Light scattering is extensively used in pharmaceutical research and development for characterizing particle size distribution, aggregation, and stability of drug formulations.
It plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.
In biotechnology, light scattering techniques are employed for analyzing biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses.
This enables researchers to study protein-protein interactions, determine molecular weight, and monitor the folding and unfolding processes.
Light scattering is essential for characterizing the size distribution and morphology of polymer particles, colloids, and emulsions.
It helps optimize processes such as polymer synthesis, formulation, and quality control.
In the cosmetics industry, light scattering is utilized for evaluating the stability and performance of cosmetic formulations.
It aids in determining the particle size of emulsions, suspensions, and powders, ensuring product consistency and efficacy.
Light scattering plays a vital role in food science and beverage manufacturing for analyzing particle size distribution, emulsion stability, and colloidal properties.
It helps in optimizing formulations and ensuring product quality and safety.
Light scattering techniques are employed in environmental monitoring for analyzing aerosols, particulate matter, and pollutants in the atmosphere.
It assists in understanding air quality, studying atmospheric processes, and assessing the impact of pollution.
We offer a range of advanced light scattering instruments tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our cutting-edge instruments deliver accurate and reliable measurements for a wide range of applications.
World's most popular particle size analyzers
The Mastersizer range provides robust particle size analysis solutions, enabling precise characterization of particles ranging from nanometers to millimeters.
With advanced sizing technologies and intuitive software, Mastersizer instruments offer unparalleled performance and versatility.
Our Zetasizer instruments are designed for dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) measurements, allowing for the determination of particle size, zeta potential, and molecular weight of colloids and nanoparticles in solution.
The Zetasizer Core accelerates discovery and development with an automation-ready, high-throughput platform that unifies DLS, SLS, and DSF on a single platform using standardized plates.
By combining colloidal stability, aggregation profiling, and structural integrity into one standardized microplate workflow, Zetasizer Core delivers the insights you need to de-risk development with total confidence.
Real-time spray particle size analyzer
The Spraytec system is specifically engineered for the analysis of sprays, aerosols, and droplets, offering real-time monitoring of particle size distribution, spray pattern, and droplet velocity.
It is indispensable for research and development in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture.
On-line process particle size analyzers
The Insitec range offers robust in-line particle size analysis solutions for process monitoring and control in various industrial applications.
With real-time particle size measurement capabilities, Insitec instruments facilitate the optimization of manufacturing processes and product quality.
World's most popular particle size analyzers
Light Scattering for every application
Next generation biophysical screening at scale
Real-time spray particle size analyzer
On-line process particle size analyzers
