Miniature, submersible, versatile, light scattering probe for absolute equilibrium and non-equilibrium characterization of macromolecular and colloidal solutions

Apparatus for static light scattering for absolute macromolecular characterization, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector, wherein the probe comprises:
• a ring member having a channel into which sample fluid enters upon immersion;
• means for securing the light source in the ring member;
• and
• means for securing the light detection means in the ring member, wherein the ring member includes a beam dump.

Apparatus for static light scattering for absolute macromolecular characterization, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector, wherein the probe comprises:
• a ring member having a channel into which sample fluid enters upon immersion;
• means for securing the light source in the ring member;
• and
• means for securing the light detection means in the ring member, wherein the ring member is made of an opaque material.

Apparatus for static light scattering for absolute macromolecular characterization, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector, and
• means for removably attaching the light transmission means to the photodetector.

Apparatus for static light scattering for absolute macromolecular characterization, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector, and
• a harness for securing the light transmission means to minimize damage to the light transmission means.

Apparatus for static light scattering for absolute macromolecular characterization, comprising:

• a photodetector;
• a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization,
• a submersible probe for use with the photodetector and the computer, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector,
• wherein the size range of detectability is about 20 Angstroms to about 100 microns.

Apparatus for static light scattering for absolute macromolecular characterization, comprising:

• a photodetector;
• a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization,
• a submersible probe for use with the photodetector and the computer, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector,
• wherein the detectable range of particle molar masses is from about 500 g/mole to about 10.sup.4 g/mole.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector wherein the probe comprises:
• a ring member having a channel into which sample fluid enters;
• means for securing the light source in the ring member;
• and
• means for securing the light detection means in the ring member,
• wherein the ring member includes a beam dump.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector wherein the probe comprises:
• a ring member having a channel into which sample fluid enters;
• means for securing the light source in the ring member;
• and
• means for securing the light detection means in the ring member,
• wherein the ring member is made of an opaque material.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing (lata from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector, and
• means for removably attaching the light transmission means to the photodetector.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector, and
• a harness for securing the light transmission means to minimize damage to the light transmission means.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a photodetector;
• a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid,
• a submersible probe for use with the photodetector and the computer, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector,
• wherein the size range of detectability is about 20 Angstroms to about 100 microns.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a photodetector;
• a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid,
• a submersible probe for use with the photodetector and the computer, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector,
• wherein the detectable range of particle molar masses is from about 500 g/mole to about 10.sup.14 g/mole.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• a plurality of interchangeable probes for use with at least one light detector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid, each probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means;
• and
• means for removably connecting the transmission means to the photodetector.

A method of performing absolute macromolecular characterization with static light scattering, the method comprising:

• submersing in a sample fluid a submersible probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector;
• optically connecting the probe with a photodetector, the photodetector being electronically connected to a computer, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization, the probe being submersible in a fluid to be sampled;
• using the computer, analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization of the sample fluid in which the probe is submersed.

A method of performing absolute macromolecular characterization with static light scattering, the method comprising:

• optically contacting a probe with a sample fluid containing a substance being studied, the probe having a scattering volume containing a small enough number of large scattering particles to not prevent absolute macromolecular characterization of the substance being studied;
• optically connecting the probe to a photodetector, the photodetector being electronically connected to a computer with an interface, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization;
• using the computer, analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization of the sample fluid in optical contact with the probe, while electronically separating out scattering bursts from large scattering particles in the sample fluid, allowing hence the large scattering particles to also be counted and characterized, wherein:
• the photodetector and the interface operate at a rate fast enough to electronically resolve the bursts.

A method of conducting absolute macromolecular characterization in real time in a polymerization reaction, comprising:

• (a) diluting a sample fluid to be sampled to a concentration of such that interparticle effects do not dominate the scattering behavior;
• (b) irradiating the diluted sample fluid with incident light;
• (c) measuring light scattered from the diluted sample fluid with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization,
• wherein light is transmitted from the diluted sample fluid to the photodetector with a submersible probe comprising:
• a light source for providing the incident light;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• and
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the submersible probe to be submersed in the fluid to be sampled without submersing the photodetector.

A method of conducting absolute macromolecular characterization in real time in a polymerization reaction, comprising:

• (a) diluting a sample fluid to be sampled to a concentration of such that interparticle effects do not dominate the scattering behavior;
• (b) irradiating the diluted sample fluid with incident light;
• (c) measuring light scattered from the diluted sample fluid with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization,
• wherein the dimensionless quantity 2A.sub.2 cM.sub.w is not greater than 10.

A method of conducting absolute macromolecular characterization in real time in a polymerization reaction, comprising:

• (a) diluting a sample fluid to be sampled to a concentration of such that interparticle effects do not dominate the scattering behavior;
• (b) irradiating the diluted sample fluid with incident light;
• (c) measuring light scattered from the diluted sample fluid with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization,
• wherein the photodetector has a scattering volume containing a small enough number of large scattering particles to not prevent absolute macromolecular characterization of the substance being studied;
• using the computer, analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization of the sample fluid in optical contact with the probe, while electronically separating out scattering bursts from large scattering particles in the sample fluid, allowing hence the large scattering particles to also be counted and characterized, wherein:
• the photodetector and the interface operate at a rate fast enough to electronically resolve the bursts.

Apparatus for static light scattering for absolute macromolecular characterization, comprising:

• a probe for use with at least one photodetector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing absolute macromolecular characterization, the probe comprising:
• a light source;
• light detection means secured in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means to the photodetector, the transmission means being of a sufficient length and flexibility to allow the probe to be used remote from the photodetector.

Apparatus for static light scattering, comprising:

• an interchangeable probe for use with at least one light detector and a computer electronically connected to the photodetector, the computer being programmed for analyzing data from static light scattering for performing characterization of a fluid, the probe comprising:
• a ring member;
• a light source secured in the ring member;
• light detection means secured in the ring member in a fixed position relative to the light source;
• transmission means for transmitting light from the light detection means;
• and
• means for removably connecting the transmission means to the photodetector.