New Nanoparticle Characterisation System Launched

Nanosight Ltd has announced the launch of FIREFLY? LM10 a robust and low cost nanoparticle characterisation system that enables highly accurate visualisation of individual nanoscale particles in suspension. The system uniquely allows the user a simple and direct qualitative view of the sample under analysis from which independent quantitative estimation of particle size, size distribution and concentration can be immediately obtained.

The FIREFLY? system includes a conventional optical microscope fitted with a specialised camera and dedicated analytical software. Specifically, it comprises a metallised optical element illuminated by laser beam, enabling both real time sizing and counting of nanoparticles in suspension. The technique is highly cost effective as it requires minimal sample pre-treatment: only dilution with a suitable solvent to an acceptable concentration range.

The system can measure nanoparticles down to 9-15nm, dependent on material, and can obtain higher resolution particle size distribution profiles than other more time-consuming and expensive methods, such as photon correlation spectroscopy. As the particles are directly visualised moving under Brownian motion, FIREFLY? avoids the complex correlation mathematics required in assessing the intensity signal inherent in scattering techniques.

FIREFLY? includes a completely new software package that minimises noise, enables near-real time operation, direct control of the camera and improved centring and tracking capabilities. A new camera and microscope has enhanced sensitivity and optimised image quality for easy set-up and simplicity of use.