NanoSight takes a new look at nanoparticles

UK-based company Nanosight, a leading provider of instruments for the optical detection and real time analysis of sub-micron particles, has launched the Firefly LM10 nanoparticle characterisation system.

The robust and low cost system enables highly accurate visualisation of individual nano-scale particles in suspension. It 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 system can measure nanoparticles down to 9-15nm, dependent on material, and can obtain higher resolution particle size distribution profiles than other methods, such as photon correlation spectroscopy, according to Nanosight. As the particles are directly visualised moving under Brownian motion, it avoids the complex correlation mathematics required in assessing the intensity signal inherent in scattering techniques.

Firefly includes a 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 offer enhanced sensitivity and optimised image quality for easy set-up and use.