Static and Dynamic Light Scattering Instrument
This instrument uses a 3W argon-ion laser for delivering purely monochromatic light of 514.5nm. Accumulation of DLS data on a time scale as short as 25 ns is accomplished via a high-speed correlator.
The sample must be cleared of any air bubbles and dust particles; the minimum sample volume is 50μl.
In general, light scattering experiments can be successfully applied to molecular masses of 10,000 Da or greater. Smaller molecules usually require higher concentrations than bigger particles, in order to reach a sufficient intensity of scattered light. As a rule of thumb for molecules of a molecular weight of approximately 50,000, a sample concentration of 1 mg/ml is a good starting point.
The Keck Facility provides cuvettes ( 300 μl) for light scattering measurements.