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Abstract:
IG-1000 Wins Bronze in Pittcon® Editor's Choice Awards

New Proprietary Particle Size Measurement Method and Single Nano Particle Analyzer from Shimadzu

Columbia,MD | Posted on March 18th, 2009

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments introduces a particle size measurement principle called Induced Grating (IG), which allows users to measure nanoparticles with high sensitivity and reproducibility. Shimadzu's new IG-1000 particle size analyzer applies the IG method to measure single nanoparticles.

Typical measurement methods use dynamic light scattering (DLS). The IG-1000 offers three advantages over DLS: The sensitivity is the same when measuring a 1 nm particle or 100 nm particles, whereas, with DLS, a 1 nm particle is 1 million times less sensitive than a 100 nm particle, and interferences from clustering or contamination are significantly reduced or eliminated. Interferences are a major challenge for the DLS technique.

The IG method eliminates interferences by using optical signals emitted by the diffraction grating formed by the particles. Even in the single nano region, users can obtain a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio and stable measurement.

Shimadzu's IG-1000 offers a simple three-step workflow to inject the sample, insert the electrode and begin analysis. Using the IG method, it can measure particles in the 0.5 to 200 nm range in about 30 seconds, from measurement start to displayed results.

The IG method also ensures high reproducibility, which removes the imprecision that comes with particle analysis in the single nano range. Comparison with raw data of diffracted light is possible, so users can perform rough validation of the measurement results easily. The IG method is also resistant to contamination, eliminating the need for measuring in a clean room. Even if the sample is mixed with small amounts of foreign particles, data is captured reliably without filtering.

In addition, users can evaluate mixed samples with the IG method because the signal size does not depend on particle size. This is not the case for other methods based on scattered light, which can make the evaluation of mixed samples difficult.

For its innovation in the field of nanoparticle measurement and analysis, Shimadzu received a bronze award in this year's Pittcon® Editor's Choice Awards.

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About Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is the American subsidiary of Shimadzu Corp., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1875, Shimadzu is a $2 billion multinational corporation with three major divisions: Medical Diagnostics,
Aerospace/Industrial and Analytical Instruments. The Analytical Instruments division is one of the world's largest manufacturers of analytical instrumentation and environmental monitoring equipment. In 1975, SSI corporate headquarters was established in Columbia, Md., to provide analytical solutions to laboratories in North, Central and parts of South America. In the United States, SSI has a network of more than 50 locations providing local and regional sales, service and technical support. Visit www.ssi.shimadzu.com for more information.

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Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc.
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Columbia, MD 21046
www.ssi.shimadzu.com