Topics Covered
Background
Monosize Particle Analysis
Instrument Sensitivity
Scattering Pattern Curves
Background
Micromeritics Saturn DigiSizer® measures particle diameters from information derived from Mie scattering patterns of monochromatic light passing through the particles. The technique requires first acquiring the scattering pattern and then determining the size of the particles that would produce such a pattern. Obviously, the more detailed the pattern and the wider the angles covered, the better can be the analysis.
Monosize Particle Analysis
The patterns given below are representative of analyses made on very nearly monosize polystyrene spheres. They are significant in themselves because they permit the great sensitivity of the Saturn DigiSizer to be demonstrated.
Instrument Sensitivity
Instrument sensitivity does not depend on the size of the particles or their distribution of sizes, but clearly to demonstrate sensitivity does require an uncomplicated particle system, i.e., a monosize one.
Scattering Pattern Curves
The plot in Figure 1 is a scattering pattern of 11-ìm diameter spheres measured by the Saturn DigiSizer. The circles represent the data points and the solid line is the spline interpolation constrained to pass through the points. It is the points on this curve that are then fitted to yield particle size.
Figure 1. Scattering pattern of 11-ìm diameter spheres
Figure 2 shows the pattern for 77-ìm diameter spheres and, as before, with data points and fitted curve.
Figure 2 Pattern for 77-ìm diameter spheres
This curve is repeated in segments (Figures 3, 4, and 5) without the points so that the full extent of the detail is evident. It is possible to identify 96 lobes on the scattering pattern for this second material.
Figure 3. Scattering pattern without points marked
Figure 4. Scattering pattern without points marked
Figure 5. Scattering pattern without points marked
Source: Micromeritics Application Note “Measuring Monosize Particles with the Saturn DigiSizer”.
For more information on this source please visit Micromeritics Instrument Corp.