Patent ID: 6404493
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An optical analyzer comprising:a polarized light source for generating a beam of polarized light propagating along a propagation axis; a flowing optical cell in optical communication with the polarized light source for conducting a sample flow and positioned to intersect the polarized light beam at an oblique angle of incidence defining a scattering measurement zone, wherein said angle of incidence is sufficiently large to allow collection of scattered light in said scattering zone at angles up to about 140 degrees from said propagation axis; a first large angle light scattering photodetector, positioned to receive light scattered from said scattering measurement zone at a first angle, &thgr;1, from said propagation axis; and a second large angle light scattering photodetector, positioned to receive light scattered from said scattering measurement zone at a second angle, &thgr;2, from said propagation axis, wherein &thgr;2>&thgr;1.