The majority of industrial materials and products consist of powders. Particle size distribution and shape are important physical characteristics that influence the behavior during handling and processing, like flowability, transport and storage.

The characterization of the particle size distribution and particle shape is a strong tool in R&D and Quality Control environment and important in various areas such as: crystal growth, ceramic and alloy properties, emulsions stability, catalyst activity, paint performance, wastewater management, bulk solids handling, and so on.

The use of different light scattering techniques, such as Laser Diffraction and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, enables to characterize particles from the lower nanometer range (dispersed nanoparticles) up to several hundreds of micrometers (dry or in suspension). Phase doppler velocimetry is merely used for characterization of droplet size in sprays and nozzle design.