Multi-angle light scattering apparatus for particle size measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light scattering methods for particle characterization, particularly dynamic light scattering (DLS), are susceptible to poor sample quality due to the R6 dependency of scattered light, leading to inaccurate size measurements of smaller particles and requiring extensive sample preparation and data rejection schemes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with multiple light detectors at the same angle, configured to illuminate a sample and receive scattered light, reduces measurement time by performing autocorrelation functions in parallel, and identifies and discards signals from contaminants or large particles using predetermined or dynamic rejection thresholds, thereby improving measurement precision and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light detector is used to perform dynamic light scattering measurement, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement time is long and measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single detection function into multiple parallel detection channels, each with its own light detector. This segmentation allows simultaneous collection of scattered light signals from multiple angles or positions, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-angle detection to multi-angle detection by adding the angular dimension to the measurement system. Multiple detectors are positioned at different scattering angles relative to the incident beam, enabling comprehensive particle characterization through angular-dependent light scattering patterns
2Measurement precision
If multiple light detectors at different angles are used to perform multi-angle dynamic light scattering measurement, then the measurement precision is increased, but the measurement time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous simultaneous measurement across all detection channels. All multiple light detectors operate in parallel to collect scattered light signals at the same time, eliminating sequential measurement delays and achieving both high precision and fast measurement through continuous data acquisition
3Measurement precision
If conventional light scattering methods are used with R6 dependency, then the scattered light intensity is sufficient for large particles, but the measurement accuracy of smaller particles is compromised due to aggregated material dominance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different analysis methods to different particle size ranges. By analyzing the angular distribution of scattered light and using appropriate correlation functions for different size regimes, the system can accurately measure small particles even in the presence of aggregates, effectively addressing the R6 dependency issue through localized measurement optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces autocorrelation analysis as an intermediary processing step between light detection and particle size determination. The autocorrelation function transforms the scattered light intensity fluctuations into particle dynamics information, enabling accurate size measurement of small particles by filtering out the dominant signal from aggregates through statistical analysis
4Measurement precision
If data rejection schemes are used to reject highly variable count rates, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to extensive preparation time and potential data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary quality assessment of scattered light signals using autocorrelation analysis before final data acceptance or rejection. By evaluating signal characteristics in advance through correlation functions, the system can quickly identify valid measurements without requiring extensive post-acquisition processing or conservative rejection criteria, thereby improving both accuracy and productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces measurement time and enhances precision by combining autocorrelation functions, allowing for faster and more accurate determination of particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential without the need for extensive sample preparation or data rejection.
Implementation Method 1
each light detector is configured to receive scattered light resulting from the interaction between the illuminating beam and the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for particle characterisation, comprising: a sample cell for holding a sample; a light source configured to illuminate the sample with an illuminating beam and a plurality of light detectors, each light detector configured to receive scattered light resulting from the interaction between the illuminating beam and the sample along a respective detector path, wherein each respective detector path is at substantially the same angle to the illuminating beam.