Description
The Nicomp dynamic light scattering (DLS) system measures size and zeta potential of nano sized particles from 0.3 nm to 10 µm. The backbone of the Nicomp DLS system is a proprietary high resolution multimodal deconvolution algorithm that can resolve close bimodal distributions. More importantly, it can separate the native peak of a distribution from the aggregate tail allowing researchers to determine the size of the native population. This is a critical parameter when trying to develop materials where the native population is directly responsible for the final properties of a product.
The Nicomp DLS instrumentation is engineered using a modular design approach. This allows for semi customization of the instruments based on the customers application needs.
Standard Nicomp Features
- Nicomp high resolution multi modal algorithm.
- Baseline adjust for automatic aggregate compensation.
- Multiple sample cells including a 1 cm cuvette and 6mm culture tubes that are low volume and can be centrifuged to remove contaminates.
- Time history plot provides a visual display of when adequate scattering data is collected to ensure statistically valid results.
- Vesicle Weighting – provides a light scattering correction for analysis of unilamellar vesicles.
Optional Features
- Patented Autodilution – eliminates the need for manual dilution of concentrated samples up to 40% solids. Provides more precise dilutions to the optimal measuring concentration resulting in higher reproducibility. It is the enabling technology for automation; batch autosampler and online measurements.
- Multi-Angle Goniometer – utilizes a precision stepper motor coupled with an optical fiber to provide multi angle sizing from approximately 12 – 175 degrees. Ideal for advanced users with complex distributions in the Mie regime that are looking to focus in on parts of their distribution.
- High Power Laser Diodes – 15 – 100 mW red, 20 – 100 mW green provide adequate scattering for ultra-small particles below 20 nm and low scattering materials avoiding without the need to compromise the measurement by over concentrating the sample which leads to multiple scattering and particle interaction effects.
- Avalanche Photo Diode Detector – provides a high sensitivity detector for low concentration and low scattering samples. Up to 7× gain over a standard photomultiplier tube and when coupled with a higher power laser diode enables accurate sizing information for sub 1 nm particles.
- Low Volume Cells – index matched sample cells for analysis of samples volumes down to 10 microliters. Ideal for expensive protein and macromolecules used in life science applications.
- Autosampler/Online – by incorporating the auto dilution feature in the Nicomp which can handle samples with up to 40% solids, the measurement can be extended into a batch auto sampler platform for automated QC analysis of up to 96 samples