Laser diffraction

In laser diffraction (static light scattering) the scattering pattern, obtained from illumination of dispersed particles with a laser beam, contains information about particle size. The interaction between particles and light is mainly dependent on particle size, shape, surface roughness and refractive indices of material and dispersing medium.

For a specific material, the scattering pattern of a particle is unique for its size. Deconvolution of the sample scattering pattern with an optical model such as Mie or Fraunhofer results in the particle size distribution.

The majority of industrial materials and products consist of powders. Particle size distribution and shape are important physical characteristics that influence the behavior during storage and processing.
The characterization of size distribution and 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, and so on.
Closely related to particle size is the droplet size distribution of sprays, nebulizers and other aerosols. Droplet size analysis is mainly used to optimize nozzle design, restrict excessive use of pesticides and increase medicine effectiveness.

Various modern techniques such as Laser Diffraction, Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, Image Analysis, Time of Transition, Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopy are available in our laboratory, as well as more conventional methods such as Electrical Sensing Zone, Sedimentation and Sieve analysis.