Particle Sizing with Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT The use of diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) for submicron particle sizing in (concentrated) dispersions has been suggested more than 10 years ago. Despite its known advantages it is still hardly used as a standard method for particle sizing or process monitoring. In principle the method seems to be very apt for a mean average particle size determination in undiluted dispersions?additionally the backscattering geometry allows a simple access to the sample independent of container (or sample cell) geometry. In this text we want to elaborate about the possible application of DWS for particle sizing. We will discuss the advantages of DWS (?What can be done in principle?) and its inherent limitations (?Which information cannot be obtained?). These considerations are illustrated by measurements using concentrated monodisperse latex suspensions (up to 8% in volume).