A single particle sizing and counting instrument with an ultra-wide dynamic detection range for optical counting and sizing of individual particles in suspensions

The characterization of dispersions, suspensions, and emulsions is important in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. Samples may consist of different materials with a wide range of particle sizes and concentrations. In a technology transfer project with LUM GmbH, a single particle sizing and counting instrument with a dynamic detection range of ≥6 decades has been developed to detect single nano- and microparticles in aqueous suspensions based on light scattering measured in two directions. Particle detection in a size range from slightly above 40nm for gold nanoparticles up to to 8 μm for polystyrene particles has been demonstrated with a prototype instrument. In addition, concentration determination based on highly accurate sample volume measurement with <20 nl measurement uncertainty allows for determination of particle concentration with an uncertainty of 2.5% (95% confidence interval).

Publication

M. Hussels, H. Lichtenfeld, H. Woehlecke, E. Wollik, and D. Lerche, „Instrument with an ultra-wide dynamic detection range for the optical counting and sizing of individual particles in suspensions”. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 95, 023704 (2024); doi: 10.1063/5.0165811