Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS)

Issue:
- What is Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS)?
- How to use SMLS to study instability phenomena of dispersions?

Contents:
- SMLS principle
- Study of migration phenomena: creaming and sedimentation
- Study of size increase: flocculation, coalescence, and ripening
- Measurement limits

Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS) is an optical method to directly characterize concentrated liquid dispersions in their native state. Many emulsions or suspensions are used in concentrated form. Optical methods such as laser diffraction (SLS) or dynamic light scattering (DLS) offer limited possibilities in terms of analysis of such formulations. In addition, concentrated products have to be diluted and therefore mixed (mechanical stress) which changes the dispersion state. SMLS can be used to characterized the dispersions without dilution or change of the initial state.