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Dynamic light scattering –
particle analysis
Dynamic light scattering principle
Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a powerful technique for determining the size distribution of particles in suspension, including proteins, polymers, and engineered nanoparticles. The principle is based on measuring the fluctuations in scattered light intensity caused by the Brownian motion of particles in solution. DLS is an effective non-invasive method for sizing very small particles in solution, providing a measurement range of approximately 0.5 nm to 10 µm in hydrodynamic diameter.
When a laser beam illuminates a sample, the particles scatter light in many directions. As these particles undergo random motion, the intensity of the scattered light in any particular direction (scattering angle) fluctuates over time. By analyzing these fluctuations — typically via an autocorrelation — the diffusion coefficient of the particles can be extracted. This, in turn, allows calculation of the hydrodynamic radius using the Stokes–Einstein equation.
Basic configuration of DLS
Precision in DLS depends on high sensitivity, fast timing, and low noise single photon detectors. That’s why Hamamatsu's single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) are an ideal match for modern DLS systems — offering the speed, sensitivity, and integration flexibility required for accurate measurements.
Dynamic light scattering applications in focus
Hamamatsu SPADs are already enabling the next generation of DLS systems — supporting applications such as:
- Biopharma & biologics formulation studies
Drug and vaccine stability, protein aggregation, and viral vector characterization. - Nanotech & materials science
Characterization of nanomaterials, paints, inks, and toner dispersions. - Food & cosmetics
Ensure homogeneity, texture, and emulsion stability in food mixtures, beverages, creams, lotions, and gels.
- Environmental & industrial applications
Particle size analysis of microplastics and particulates relevant to water treatment and environmental monitoring.
If your customers are pushing for smaller particles, faster reads, or higher confidence at low concentrations — we can help make that happen. We offer high-end performance SPAD detectors without the tradeoffs typically associated with other high-spec single photon detectors on the market today.
Premium-grade performance — built for practical integration
Hamamatsu Si SPAD modules deliver what DLS systems demand. Whether the application involves low-intensity scatter signal or high-throughput parallelization, our SPAD lineup can address the needs of any DLS platform.
- Low afterpulsing ensures clean signal quality throughout the measurement period and reliable correlation results
- Short dead times and high maximum count rates (MCR) ideal for handling fast, small particle diffusion dynamics
- Industry-leading low dark count rates to maintain accuracy at low particle concentrations
- High photon detection efficiency (PDE) for enhanced measurement repeatability, especially in weakly scattering samples
- Single photon sensitivity for detecting weak scattering signals
- Fast timing resolution / low jitter for clean, precise autocorrelation measurements
- Compact packaging options for modular and multi-detector architectures
Seamless integration
We work closely with system designers to ensure SPADs drop into their architecture with ease.
Our team understands the optical, mechanical, and timing demands of DLS systems — and we’re ready to collaborate.
Let’s enable the next generation of DLS applications together.
Recommended products
This fiber-coupled single photon detector module enables high-performance single photon counting across the visible to near-infrared range. Hamamatsu's single channel SPAD modules feature TTL output and integrated temperature control, along with simple ±5 V operation.
This compact, fiber-coupled single photon detector module is ideal for OEM integration or space-constrained applications. It offers a compact form factor with the same exceptional performance as our standard modules across the visible to near-infrared range. Hamamatsu's single channel SPAD modules feature TTL output and integrated temperature control, along with simple ±5 V operation.
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