3D Cross Correlation Light Scattering
A major drawback of conventional static and dynamic light scattering is its restriction to transparent samples since these technologies both mandate the measurement and analysis of singly-scattered light. Multiple scattering in turbid or opaque samples strongly influences the outcome of the measurement and leads to results that can be wrong by orders of magnitude. As this can happen even with slightly turbid samples, artifacts are obtained quite frequently and remain often unnoticed.
One powerful technique to suppress multiple scattering, known as 3D cross-correlation, uses
two simultaneous light scattering experiments performed at the same scattering vector on the
same sample volume in order to extract only the single scattering information common to both.
The correlation of the measured scattered intensities from both experiments with each other results in a cross correlation function where only single scattering events contribute to the signal. Therefore the 3D cross correlation technique represents an extension of the classical techniques of light scattering.
3D cross-correlation further allows one to perform static light scattering experiments on strongly scattering samples by correcting the total measured scattered intensity by the angle-dependent single scattering contribution. The 3D LS Spectrometer is the only instrument that features
the 3D cross-correlation technology in a goniometer setup thus allowing correction of dynamic
and static light scattering at all scattering angles. Such capabilities make it the most powerful and
versatile light scattering tool currently available.