How do results from different Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) instruments compare?
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a technique that measures the hydrodynamic diameter of nanoparticles in suspensions by analyzing their Brownian motion based on measurement of intensity fluctuations of scattered light. In various industries and academic R&D/QC labs, DLS is used to rapidly measure the size and size dispersity of nanoparticles (NPs).
The use of DLS in nanoparticle sizing is highly convenient, as it is simple to set up, is based on first principles (requiring no calibration), needs relatively little sample preparation and allows relatively fast measurement (the latter two depending on the instrument used).
However, DLS has its limitations as a particle characterization technique. For instance, its resolution in distinguishing individual particle populations is low, compared to more laborious, complex particle counting techniques. DLS is thus best suited for fast screening, rather than highly resolved studies on details of the particle size distribution (PSD).
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