Dynamic light scattering (DLS)

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) involves measuring the intensity variations of the scattered light on a millisecond time scale. DLS provides a direct measure of the translational diffusion coefficient, which is then used to calculate the hydrodynamic radius. DLS is very useful as a screening tool and is used, for example, in process development or for control in production. With a small sample size distribution, aggregation and particle concentration can be determined. Since it is a direct physical measurement, it can usually be used without further method development. The measurements are non-destructive and often take less than 30 seconds per sample.