Microtrac, Inc. has been a pioneer in light scattering particle size technology for 30 years, and introduced the Ultrafine Particle Analyzer in 1990. The newly enhanced and designed Nanotrac, features faster measurements (up to 20 times faster), smaller particle size capability (to 0.8 nm), higher precision, higher accuracy and advanced software capabilities all in one small, robust dynamic light scattering instrument having no moving components.

Rapid analysis – as fast as 15-30 seconds in most cases
Design – No moving parts and simple design means that that there are no parts to wear nor be replaced
Chemical compatibility — Compatible with all organic solvents
ISO 13321 — Complies with this ISO standard on particle size measurements for Dynamic Light Scattering
Brownian motion analysis — Advanced power spectrum analysis of Doppler shifts by the Controlled Reference Method, patented by Microtrac, Inc.
Temperature control – Precise temperature monitoring and compensation eliminates need for temperature control baths or devices
High concentrations — This capability can eliminate concern of dilution, a cause of agglomeration or dissolution
Low concentrations – As low as 0.1 ppm @200nm polystyrene
Operation simplicity – No advance knowledge of particle distribution required — just add sample and measure
Security — Software compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for computer and software security
Colored materials — Avoids multiple wavelength absorption issues
Physical size — Smallest dynamic light scattering footprint available in particle size industry. Also available in a remote probe model for external (“Dip ‘N’ Run”) measurement or for in line measurement
Accuracy – Mie scattering calculations for spherical particles and proprietary modified Mie calculations for nonspherical particles. Only Microtrac offers this enhanced accuracy for non-spherical particles — the majority of real world materials
Range – Measurement capability from 0.0008 to 6.5 microns satisfies most nanotechnology applications
Calibration – First principle optical physics avoids the need for calibration – verification test kits are available. Alignment is never needed
FDA Validation – Full documentation and personal customer support
Small sample size – Less than 3 ml per sample standard cell, or as small as 0.1 ml with small cell option
Traceability — Particle size measurement traceable to NIST standards
Cost effective long term operation – The probe design avoids cost of expendable cuvettes and pre-cleaning requirements; A background measurement avoids need for ultra clean diluents
Applications — Organic polymers (latex polymers and others), nanometals and other nanoinorganics, proteins, lipoproteins, DNA, and RNA
Data presentation — Accurately report narrow, monomodal, multimodal, and broad range distributions in a variety of statistical formats without the need to select special calculation algorithms
Resolution – Measures monomodal, multimodal, broad and narrow distributions automatically without pre-selecting special programs
Consistency – Features afixed detector and laser design, which delivers repeatability and linearity. High concentration capability avoids agglomeration or dissolution of particles during dilution
Flexibility — The modular design allows selectable configurations based on your application and can be expanded to meet future needs at any time
Electronics — Advanced, high efficiency electronics for accurate particle size measurements
Upgrades — Prior UPA models can be upgraded depending upon present hardware and software
Power demand and safety — Low power laser provides electric and laser irradiation safety
Versatility – Versions for the lab bench, on-line or even in-line for process control applications
Reliability — Robust, rugged design assures reliable use for many years into the future.

Downloads
Nanotrac Literature
Microtrac Flex Software Data Explanation Sheet


The Nanotrac® is currently available in two Models; Both Nanotrac and Nanotrac Ultra are available in three configurations: Internal cell, External Probe, or Versatile internal-external Combo series.

State-of-the-art technology:

The Nanotrac uses a newer, advanced power spectrum analysis of Doppler shifts to produce a full volume distribution of particle sizes. spectrum of particle sizes provided as a particle size distribution of volume (mass) percent and intensity. While other systems measure the light after it has passed through a sample, and at one or more angles, Nanotrac uses a reference beam and backscatter optics to insure minimum penetrate of light into the sample. Light undergoing Frequency shifted scattered light collected at minimum sample penetration avoids multiple scattering effects. Scattered light caused by interaction with randomly moving particles is mixed with a portion of the original laser after being reflected back into the probe at 180 degrees. The combined light passes through a fiber-optic cable to a single detector, and advanced electronics and software analyze the signals to calculate the Doppler shifts corresponding to particle size. Controlled Reference Method technology, in which mixing of the laser and scattered light occur, provides high signals using low power. Small size semiconductor lasers provide extremely long life and safety. No moving parts and no maintenance assures that the Nanotrac will reliably provide data for years without concern for repeat service visits. Advanced calculations avoid the ambiguity of polydispersity (PDI) index while providing measured distribution shape. Calculation of the full particle size distribution avoids the ambiguity of distribution approximation methods assuring you maximum size information about your particle suspension.

Condensed Specifications:
Range and Spec
0.8 to 6500 nanometers (0.0008 to 6.5 microns)

Repeatability
1% for 100nm polystyrene

Optics/Alignment
Fixed laser and detector positions; 780 nm semiconductor laser directed to sample through a fiber optic cable. Alignment of optics never needed

Measurement Angle
180 Degrees
Complete System
Solid-state optical bench, Pentium IV computer, CRT or flat screen monitor, complete data management software, printer options

Data Handling
Advanced Microtrac FLEX Software offers unparalleled capability for graphics, data export/import, customized printed reports, and all data handling demands including export to Adobe PDF, as well as other export formats for sharing data over the internet. FLEX software provides data storage in Microsoft Access® database format utilizing OLE. Volume, number, area and intensity weighted distributions as well as percentile and other summary data. Data integrity is ensured using FDA 21CFR Part 11 compliant security features.

Sample Handling
Powders, fluids and all particles suspended or suspendable in fluid. Manual transfer and rinsing of sample for Nanotrac 150.

Sample size – Less than 3 ml or as low as 0.1ml with small cell option. Samples may be measured by dipping probe directly into sample using Nanotrac 250.

Suspending Medium
Compatible with any organic solvent and most acids and bases generally used to deliver particulate samples

Power Requirements
90 to 240 VAC, 5 amps, 47/63 Hz, single phase

Dimensions
Height: 13 in. (33.0 cm); Width: 22 in. (55.9 cm); Depth: 12 in. (30.5 cm) not including computer or UAC 112

Typical Analysis Time
30 to 120 seconds

Delivery System
None required

Mode of Operation
Independent, manual operation or fully automatic control using the NAS-35