What is laser diffraction?

Laser diffraction is used to determine particle size distribution. How particle size distribution affects both products and processes can have measurable impacts on items such as reactivity, dissolution rate and flowability. Size distribution measurements, by laser diffraction, can also be used to detect agglomerates and batch variations and test outcomes to production changes. 

Laser diffraction instruments can measure particle sizes between 0.02-2000 µm. Samples are dispersed in air or suitable liquid media. The laser, which passes through the dispersion media, is diffracted by the particles creating a diffraction light pattern dependent on particle size.