Laser diffraction can actually “detect” particles that are not even present, due to the large laser angles. These non-spherical particles cause more diffused scatter patterns and are difficult to accurately interpret. Laser diffraction also has a difficult time with sharp edges, and particles that are non-spherical.
Different algorithms are used to make the data better match the desired results. One of the big issues is that the algorithms used in laser diffraction have not been thoroughly validated. Recently the validity of laser diffraction has been in question. It can be used for testing fine powders, suspensions, emulsions, pastes, and creams. Laser diffraction can also be utilized for measuring materials in many different physical forms. Both of these capabilities allow users to perform hundreds of measurements a day without concern. The average test can be completed in under 60 seconds.Ī large number of particles are also sampled in each measurement, which gives laser diffraction a high range of repeatability. Laser diffraction is also very quick in yielding results. Laser diffraction has a wide measuring range, from submicron to millimeter size. This data is analyzed and calculated to determine the size of the particles. Large particles scatter light at small angles, while small particles scatter light at large angles. To put it simply, the laser hits each particle, and the light is then scattered. The particle size is determined from the measured variation in the intensity of scattered light as a function of the scattering angle. Laser diffraction is a technique to measure the size of particles, typically for materials ranging from hundreds of nanometers up to several millimeters in size. We hope that after reading this article you are able to make a better decision as to which type of technology fits your needs at your own company. We wrote this article to dive into all three technologies in terms of benefits, draw backs and features of each technology. Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Light Scattering are two other types of technologies that could be compared to our CPA for analyzing particles. We know that this isn’t the only type of technology out there that does this. Our CPA uses photo-optical technology to determine the size and shape of particles. Our most advanced type of particle analysis equipment is our Computer Particle Analyzer or CPA. It is important that we keep up with and stay experts on those advances, even if they aren’t something that we can offer from our products. We have been manufacturing them for over 140 years and they are still one of most popular products.Īs technology changes, technicians and lab managers are looking for new ways of verifying particle size that is either more advanced or more efficient. Test sieves are one of the oldest particle tools that is out there. Types of Sinter-Bonded & Laminated Wire Mesh.Types of Fabricated Parts & Customized Filter.