Dynamic light scattering particle size analyzers are used to measure the size of very small particles (0.6 nm to 6 um) in solution. This class of particle size analyzer interprets particles’ sizes from the fluctuations in scattered laser light created by the particles’ Brownian motion. Dynamic light scattering analysis is used in medical, biological research and materials science applications, and is also known as photon correlation spectroscopy or quasi-electron light scattering.
Although requiring suspension in a solution, particle size analysis by dynamic light scattering offers the advantage of measuring particles across a wide range of densities, from parts-per-million up to 40% of solution. Other advantages include size analysis of particles in their native environment and micro-liter scale minimum sample sizes. In addition, dynamic light scattering particle size analyzers may also provide information on particle shape and require less user training. Analysis times typically vary from 30 seconds to 2 minutes per sample.