Overview
The capabilities of the NanoBrook depend heavily on both the instrument control software, Particle Solutions, as well as on Brookhaven’s dedicated high-speed signal processing hardware, especially its TurboCorr correlator. DLS, ELS, PALS, and all other light scattering derived methods involve illumination of the sample using laser light, which is then measured at one of three scattering angles (for ELS and PALS this is always done in forward scatter). The light scattered is collected from forward, side and backscatter directions with a Single Photon Counting Module based on an Avalanche Photo Diode (APD). DLS time series data is processed in real time by the correlator, and then sent to Particle Solutions for fitting. As one of the pioneers in light scattering, Brookhaven Instruments has a long history in the development of the digital correlator. Our current correlator offers 510 hardware channels with 100% efficiency and real-time operation over the entire delay-time range. Particle Solutions is the Windows compatible software used to process data for review.
Particle Solutions v4.0 is the latest version of our powerful instrument control software. Particle Solutions v4.0 incorporates five different standard measurement types based on our core technologies: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS), Phase Analysis Light Scattering (PALS), Microrheology (μRhe), Absolute Size Exclusion (ASEC), and Debye Plot (DBY) packaged into a single application. This release was upgraded to offer advanced correlator control, improved guidance for measurement issues, compatibility with the Windows operating systems, and well as native support for Windows tablets and touchscreen devices and improved user interface offering easy navigation to commonly used operations.
See the Data That You Want
The data grid is completely customizable and includes a number of different standard display options. New column layouts can be saved as presets, and easily recalled. A wide range of column selections are available including count rate, diameter, PDI, and a host of others.
Particle Solutions v4.0 allows the import of data from previous versions of Particle Solutions, as well as from select legacy products, imported data can be given custom labels allowing for easy recall. Filtering options are available to sort data by date, column or tag label. Customized filters can also be saved as presets.
Customizable Correlator Layout
A unique feature found in Particle Solutions V4.0 that is not found in other DLS instrumentation is the ability to create custom correlator layouts.
The ability to modify the channel spacing, number of channels, and the first and last delay is especially useful with samples that have a very slow decay rate due to very low mobility whether due to size of the particle or viscosity of the diluent used in sample preparation.
Measurement Review Flexibility
The multimodal and lognormal distributions can all be viewed with Intensity, Volume, Surface Area, or Number weighting applied.
The “Raw Data” view shows the normalized autocorrelation function, as well as count rate history. The baseline index and data retention rate is also displayed in this view. The baseline index is useful in interpreting the quality of the data, whereas the data retention rate can be used to infer the effectiveness of the dust rejection algorithm. Points discarded by the dust filter are identified in the graph of the count rate history.
Effective Diameter and Poly Dispersity Index (PDI) are displayed along with the measurement options used and any tagging of the user or sample ID for tracking.
Help When You Need It
Particle Solutions v4.0 incorporates powerful algorithms to evaluate experimental data for anomalies that will lead to inaccurate interpretation.
Highlighting a measurement group and then selecting the “Health Information” icon on the main screen will provide information related to the measurement and recommendations to improve.
Zeta Potential Measurements (PALS & ELS)
Zeta Potential measurement by electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) and Phase Analysis Light Scattering (PALS) can be performed with compatible NanoBrook instrumentation.
The PALS phase modulated method is orders of magnitude more sensitive than standard ELS based on laser doppler electrophoresis.
The increased sensitivity of PALS allows the measurement of particles that have very low electrophoretic mobilities and allows the system to use lower applied voltages for particles in solutions characterized by higher conductivity such as a phosphate buffer solution (PBS).
Power of Titration
Particle Solutions v4.0 is compatible with the Brookhaven Instruments BI-ZTU automatic titration system. The BI-ZTU is helpful when doing studies to determine the effect of pH or to estimate isoelectric point. The titrator can also be used for additive titrations such as using zeta potential to determine the optimal dosing of a coagulant or flocculent.
The software allows for input of up to four concentrations of an acid/base or other additive chemical being used by the precision controlled dosing pumps. The additive method allows for either linear or geometric dosing.