Top 10 Factors To Consider... When Selecting A Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Instrument

The physical components and features of a dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument along with the instrument’s technical specifications are obviously important considerations when purchasing a new system. However, written specifications can be confusing, misleading and maybe even have very little bearing on the instrument’s actual performance. Specifications on paper do not necessarily translate into advantages or disadvantages when it comes to making measurements on your samples. The best components and technical specifications in the world do not matter if the instrument is not assembled or optimized in way that they translate into real improvements in data quality when you are making measurements on your samples.

Researchers often know their specific application and samples quite well and they usually understand exactly what information they need from a DLS instrument. The purchase of a light scattering system, however, sometimes requires multiple researchers or several labs to work together to find an instrument that suits the needs of everyone involved. It is in these cases where the answer to the “What type of samples will I be analyzing” question becomes complex because not only must you understand your own samples but you must then also understand the needs of others who will be sharing the instrument. Sometimes these differing needs start to compete with each other.