Particle Characterization
High Resolution Particle Size Analyzers and Particle Counters
What is a particle? The simplest definition is a minute portion of matter. Particle characterization is the process of identifying the particle size, particle shape, and surface properties. Analyzing particle behavior is a critical factor for quality control and product performance in many different industries. As product requirements continue to become more stringent, it is essential to understand particle behavior and reduce particle contamination sources. Particles measured by the techniques described here include solids (powders), solids in liquids (suspensions), and liquid/liquid emulsions.
There are many analytical techniques available for particle size measurements. Various techniques have different capabilities and dynamic range as well as assorted strengths and weaknesses. Before choosing an analytical technique, the user should first define what is required by the instrument and how the data will be used.
AccuSizer® systems are based on our unique single particle optical sizing (SPOS) technology. The AccuSizer SPOS system is both a liquid particle counter and a sophisticated particle size analyzer. Particles are sized and counted one at a time as they flow through a sensor inspection zone. This creates high accuracy, high resolution particle size distributions as well as concentration data in particles/mL.
The AccuSizer SPOS system is the industry standard in detecting tails of distribution in CMP slurries with the highest sensitivity technology available. Beyond semiconductor, the pharmaceutical industry uses the AccuSizer system to detect large particles in lipid emulsions, for USP <788> testing, and for protein aggregation studies.
Each system includes an SPOS sensor, a pulse height analyzer (or counter), and fluidics to transport the sample through the sensor. Many systems include automatic dilution to adjust the concentration to the optimal range for measurement. A range of both laboratory and online systems are configured to specific application requirements.
Our Nicomp® Nano dynamic light scattering (DLS) systems measure size and zeta potential of submicron particles. Using dynamic light scattering technology, the Nicomp DLS system can size proteins, colloids, emulsions, nanoparticles, CMPs, inkjet inks, and a variety of other dispersions used in nanotechnology and medicine. Designed for sensitivity, the Nicomp system algorithm is uniquely capable of determining when multiple peaks are present and can resolve peaks closer than any other DLS system.
Major benefits of owning a Nicomp DLS system include high-resolution particle size analysis, high-accuracy zeta potential results, and a system custom-tailored to your needs, providing optimal results. Advanced options including multi-angle goniometer, autodilution, auto-sampling, and online systems make the Nicomp system the best choice for many samples.
Featured White Paper
Particle Size Analysis Overview
New to particle size analysis? This paper reviews different analytical techniques for particle size analysis, including types of distributions, laboratory versus online systems, and sample result comparisons. It is intended to help scientists new to particle size analysis understand each technique’s various strengths and weaknesses in order to select the proper technique for their samples.
On Demand Webinar
Particle Characterization of Specialty Chemicals
In this webinar, Mark Bumiller, technology manager, investigates the importance of particle analysis in specialty and fine chemicals manufacturing.
Topics include:
- Why particle characterization is critical to achieving the highest-value product formulations and performance
- Approaches to particle size analysis and the special instrumentation used in the process
- How zeta potential predicts dispersion stability
- Industrial examples from: Inks, Emulsions, and Pigments
On Demand Webinar
Particulate Contamination in Medical Devices and Single-Use Systems
Subvisible particulate testing is critical to assess the safety of medical devices, and particulate contamination should be minimized to avoid possible negative health consequences to the patient.
A wide range of standards, USP tests, and FDA guidance documents provide test methods and acceptance criteria for particulate contamination in medical devices. In this webinar, Mark Bumiller discusses solutions to help meet these critical qualification requirements.
Featured Videos
Clean Chemical Delivery: CMP Delivery Systems with Kerry Hasapidis, SME
Kerry Hasapidis explains how Entegris combines the AccuSizer® Mini SPOS system with advanced filtration to identify and remove large particle counts from the CMP slurry stream, helping customers deliver consistent slurry to the polishing tool and improve their yield. Runtime: 01:59
View the Accusizer SPOS System
Video introduction of our AccuSizer® SPOS systems comprising high resolution and high concentration particle counters that accurately determine particle size and counts at the tail end of your distributions.
View the Nicomp DLS system
Video introduction of our Nicomp® DLS systems that use dynamic light scattering (DLS) technology to provide high sensitivity, high resolution size, and zeta potential of sub-micron particles.
Solutions Brochures & Data Sheets
We have a comprehensive library of reference materials detailing how to apply our advanced particle count and size analyzers to solve a range of laboratory and process applications in semiconductor, life sciences, and other industries. Here is a sampling of our high-performance solutions.
Detailed overview of our AccuSizer® A7000 SPOS systems designed as liquid particle counters for contamination applications or as sophisticated particle size analyzers of suspensions.
Product Solutions
We offer advanced particle count and size analyzers that provide high resolution and accuracy in CMP slurries and other suspensions. Our Particle Characterization solutions enable customers to perform particle size analysis both in the laboratory and online, in real time, directly in the fluid stream process.
Choosing the best particle analyzer for your samples is an application specific search. Instrument type, configuration, and reporting options all influence this decision. Search our reference materials to match our systems to your specific requirements.
If you are not already an expert in DLS technology, understanding how to prepare samples, make good measurements, and interpret the data can be challenging. Our collection of application and technical notes can help guide you to choosing the right instrument to generate the best results.