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Updated: May 22, 2026
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Measurement of Particle Size Distribution in Turbid Solutions by Dynamic Light Scattering Microscopy
Published on: January 9, 2017
Easy-use and low-cost fiber-based two-color dynamic light-scattering apparatus
Achim Lederer1, Hans Joachim Schöpe
1Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Summary
This study introduces a compact light-scattering setup for analyzing colloidal suspensions, even in turbid conditions. The innovative design effectively suppresses multiple scattering, enabling accurate structural and dynamic measurements.
Area of Science:
- Soft Matter Physics
- Colloidal Science
- Photonics
Background:
- Studying colloidal suspensions is crucial for understanding material properties.
- Turbidity and multiple scattering often hinder accurate structural and dynamic analysis.
- Existing light-scattering techniques can be complex and sensitive to environmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a small, compact, and stable two-color cross-correlation light-scattering setup.
- To enable the study of colloidal suspensions in the presence of significant turbidity.
- To accurately measure dynamic structure factors and particle form factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a homemade concentric four-arm goniometer.
- Employed fiber-optical illumination and detection for stable alignment.
- Implemented a two-color cross-correlation technique to suppress multiple scattering.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable alignment even with temperature variations of ~5 °C.
- Observed cross-correlation intercepts near 0.4 for Rayleigh scatterers across wide angles (20°-150°).
- Successfully suppressed multiple scattering in slightly turbid samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed setup is effective for studying turbid colloidal suspensions.
- The method allows for the determination of multiple scattering-free dynamic structure factors and particle form factors.
- The compact and stable design facilitates long-term measurements.
