Static (SLS) and Dynamic (DLS) Light Scattering

The light scattered by a polymer solution or dispersion contains information about the static and dynamic properties of the molecules or particles. For dynamic light scattering the intensity fluctuations over time are measured at certain angles and converted into autocorrelation functions, while for static light scattering the angular dependency of the average scattering intensity is being investigated.

Determination of:

Dynamic light scattering:

- translational diffusion coefficient D_z
- hydrodynamic radius <R_h>_z
- aggregation phenomena in complex solutions with several diffusing species (e.g. blood plasma)

Static light scattering:

- weight average molecular mass M_w and aggregation number
- radius of gyration <R_g²>_z^1/2 and resulting structure parameter ρ
- second virial coefficient A₂

Equipment:

Multiangle light scattering systems equipped with He-Ne lasers (632.8 nm)

Literature: