Small-Angle Light Scattering Instrument with Wide Scattering Vector and Wide Dynamic Ranges

A small-angle light scattering (SALS) instrument with wide scattering vector and wide dynamic ranges has been developed. The instrument covers ca. 3 digits in scattering vector and ca. 5 digits in dynamic ranges. The wide scattering vector range was achieved by combining a very small beam stopper based on a new concept and a method of indirect imaging of a wide screen. The wide dynamic range was achieved by using an apodizing filter specially designed for the present SALS instrument. We also developed a rationale and a simple correction method to quantify the data over such wide scattering vectors and wide dynamic ranges. Finally, two measured examples demonstrating the validity of the performance of the instrument are presented.