Method and apparatus for measuring particle size distributions using light scattering

摘要

Methods and apparatus for measuring the spatial distribution of light scattered by particles passing through the intersecting volume of two light beams, directed at right angles to each other. The sample cell design permits light to enter at right angles, making it possible to examine both low-angle and wide-angle scattering. A Fourier optical system directs a portion of the scattered light onto an array consisting of multiple photodetectors. The light impinging on the array consists of light scattered from both light beams. A computer program allows the instrument user to specify various groupings of the data values generated by the photodetectors to create a smaller number of data channels for analysis. Different grouping configurations can be generated from the same set of data values. A degaussing coil encircles a portion of the flow path to aid in dispersing magnetized particles. A device for obtaining the diameter distributions of high-aspect ratio particles (fibers) is described.