LASER DIFFRACTION

JESSICA DSOUZA
TANAYA BANSOD

WHAT IS DIFFRACTION?

PRINCIPLE OF LASER
DIFFRACTION
Measures the angular
variation in intensity of
light scattered

Calculates size of the

particles responsible for
creating the scattering
pattern(Mie theory)

Large particles: scatter light

at small angles with greater
intensity and vice versa

Particle size reported as

volume equivalent
sphere diameter.

MIE THEORY
A. Particle assumed to be spherical
Laser diffraction is sensitive to the volume of the particle
Hence, particle diameters calculated from the measured volume,
but assume a sphere of equivalent volume

B. Suspension is dilute
Particle concentration is so low that scattered radiation is directly
measured by the detector (i.e. single scattering)
Re-scattering does not occur

Laser Diffraction System

3 main elements:
1. Optical bench: Laser beam illuminates the particles
in the sample present on the optical bench
A series of detectors accurately measure the intensity
of scattered light

2. Sample dispersion unit:

Ensures that particles are delivered to the optical
bench at the correct concentration and stable state of
dispersion
Wet sample dispersion unit: liquid dispersant (aqueous
or solvent based)
Dry powder sample dispersion unit :flowing gas
stream (usually dry air)

3. Instrument software:
Controls the system
Analyzes scattering data to calculate a particle size
distribution
Provides instant feedback and expert advice

WORKING

The laser beam emitted from the light source is converted to a

thicker beam by the collimator, which is irradiated on the
sample particle group to be measured

Diffracted/scattered light is emitted from all particles irradiated

by the laser beam, thus forming a light intensity distribution
pattern

The light intensity distribution pattern of the forward scattered

light is condensed by the lens, and a concentrically-shaped
diffracted image is formed on the detecting plane

This diffracted image is detected by the forward

diffracted/scattered light sensor (Wing sensor) which is made
up of concentrically-placed light-receiving elements

Also, side and back scattered light also is detected by side and
back scattered light sensors

 Light intensity distribution pattern generated from 5 m

size particles:
Diffracted/scattered light emitted from particles concentrates
in the forward direction
Compared with light in the forward direction, light scattered
and diffracted in other directions is very much weaker
When larger size particles are measured, diffracted/scattered
light concentrates even more in the forward direction

 Light intensity distribution pattern generated from 1 m

size particles:
As the particle size becomes smaller, the pattern of the
diffracted/scattered light spreads slightly to the periphery
away from the forward direction
Light intensity distribution pattern generated from 0.1 m
size particles:
As the particle size becomes smaller, light towards the sides
(up/down and left/right directions) and back (opposite the
laser beam travel direction) becomes stronger. The light
pattern spreads in all directions just like a "cocoon"

ADVANTAGES

Wide dynamic range (sub- to mm)

Rapid measurements (<1 min)
Flexibility
High sample throughput
Ease of verification
Well-established technique - covered by ISO13320
(2009)

DISADVANTAGES
1.For particles <1
m, no
distinguishable
feature in the
scattering pattern
is observed
Hence, actual
particle size
determination
difficult

2.The sample can agglomerate in the dispersion media giving larger particle
sizes than the actual size in the product
3. If a part of the particles have high density, it is possible that sedimentation
will occur, and thus, the whole sample will not be measured
4. A common error in laser diffraction is the application of too much sonication
of the dispersion, but fragile primary particles may thus get destroyed
5. The concentration of sample must be sufficiently high to give an acceptable
signal to noise ratio in the detector
6. The concentration of the particles must be sufficiently low so that particle
overlap and multiple scattering is avoided

REFERENCES
Pharmaceutical Dosage Form: Tablets, Third
Edition, Volume I by Larry L Augsburger and
Stephen W Hoag
Malvern.com
Shimadzu.com

THANK YOU