LA-960V2 Laser Particle Size Analyzer

Overview

This latest evolution in the LA series advances scientific knowledge for tomorrow’s world through intuitive software, unique accessories, and high performance. The LA-960 continues HORIBA’s proud tradition of leading the industry with innovative design.

Watch the LA-960 Product Overview video (3:19)

LA-960 Overview Video

Features

Performance that matters

  • Measure particle size between 10 nanometers and 5 millimeters
  • State of the art nanoparticle measurement resolves peaks at 30 nanometers
  • Suitable for suspensions, emulsions, powders, pastes, gels, and creams
  • Easy to use dry powder accessory, read the PowderJet page for more information
  • Requires only micrograms* of sample, minimizing cost of analysis
  • Flexible, fully automated measurement sequences maximize precision and method compliance
  • Excellent reproducibility and unit-to-unit agreement, read the Gage R&R Study for more information
  • Measurements in less than 60 seconds boost productivity
  • Based on the ultra-durable LA-950 platform, noted for its reliability

Software that grows to meet your needs

  • New users are guided by the Method Expert software to create powerful measurement methods with no prior training
  • Experienced users create turn-key measurements with the Sequence function to include custom messages, measurement averaging, pass/fail repeats, and much more
  • Advanced users benefit the Intensity Graph, Custom Calculations, and other power tools to deeply understand their measurements
  • The brand new user interface emphasizes ease of use to ensure hassle-free operation
  • Integrated 21 CFR Part 11 compliant software available with user administration, audit trail, and electronic signature functionality

HORIBA's performance guarantee

  • Guaranteed accuracy of ± 0.6%**
  • Excellent unit-to-unit precision, ideal for multi-location requirements
  • ISO 13320:2009 compliant
  • IQ/OQ available
  • LA-960 performance verified on every unit with NIST-traceable mono- and polydisperse size standards

Our particle expertise = your solution

HORIBA's experienced staff of technical and applications specialists support the LA-960 in 54 offices across 45 countries. We are committed to the satisfaction of our users and to the education of the greater industry and provide many channels of support including:

  • Sample analysis via the many Applications Labs around the world
  • Free software updates, webinars, technical notes, and much more in the Download Center
  • Instant support via phone, e-mail, and online meeting
  • On-site and in-house user training courses
  • Service contracts, verifications, and validations to fit every requirement
  • Advanced software tools to correlate data from other particle size analyzers to maintain historic specifications

Manufactured by HORIBA

Specifications

Measurement Method

Mie Scattering Theory

Measurement Range

0.01 μm to 5000 μm

Measurement Time

1 minute from dispersion liquid filling to measurement and rinse.

Sampling System

Required Sample Amount:Sample 10 mg to 5 g (Depends on sample material)
Dispersion Medium:Approx. 180 mL to 250 mL (Using Flow Cell)
Viscosity:Less than 10 mPa・s

Optical System

Light Source:650 nm Laser Diode approx. 5.0 mW
405 nm Light Emitting Diode (LED) approx. 3.0 mW
Detectors:Silicon Photo Diode

Circulation System

Ultrasonic Probe:Frequency 20 kHz 7-Level selections
Circulation Pump:15-Level selections
Agitator:15-Level selections
Flow/Fraction Cell:Tempax Glass

Power Supply

120 V AC ±10% or 230 V AC ±10%, 50/60 Hz ±1%

Power Consumption

300 VA

Operating Temperature

15 to 35℃ (59 to 95℉)

Operating Humidity

Relative Humidity 85% or less (no condensation)

External Dimensions

705 x 565 x 500 mm (28 x 23 x 20 in)
(W x D x H:not including dimensions of projections)

Mass Approx

56 kg (123 lb)

Dry Feeder Accessory

Dispersion Method

Injector-driven forced dispersion in air, using compressed air

Sample Supply Method

Vibrating feeder

Sample Ejection Method

Vacuum-driven forced ejection

Sample Concentration Adjustment Method

Adjusted by feeder vibration power

Control Method

Serial communication with LA-960 measurement unit

Controlled Items

Feeder vibration power alteration (automatic or user-set), vacuum ON/OFF, compressed air valve ON/OFF, pressure is adjustable

Measurement Time

Normally about 2 seconds from start of measurement

Operating Temperature / Humidity

15 to 35℃, 85% RH max. (no condensation) (59 to 95℉)

Outer Dimensions

332 mm x 321 mm x 244 mm (13 x 13 x 10 in)
(W x D x H:not including dimensions of projections and LA-960 measurement unit)

Power Supply

AC 100/120/230V, 50/60 Hz, 1500 VA
(Including vacuum; not including LA-960 measurement unit)

Compressed Air Pressure

0.5 MPa to 0.8 MPa

Compressed Air Supply Port

Quick connector for resin tube with 6 mm outer diameter
(Compressed air supply equipment must be provided separately)

Schematics

LA-960 Standard Model
LA-960 with Dry Unit Accessory

Measurement Techniques

The LA-960 combines the most popular modern sizing technique with state of the art refinements to measure wet and dry samples measuring 10 nanometers to 5 millimeters. The central idea in laser diffraction is that a particle will scatter light at an angle determined by that particle’s size. Larger particles will scatter at small angles and smaller particles scatter at wide angles. A collection of particles will produce a pattern of scattered light defined by intensity and angle that can be transformed into a particle size distribution result.

Visit the Laser Diffraction Technology section.

The LA-960 laser diffraction instrument consists of two light sources (1 & 2), a sample handling system to control the interaction of particles and incident light, and an array of high quality photodiodes (3 & 4) to detect the scattered light over a wide range of angles- as shown below. The scattered light collected on the detectors is used to calculate the particle size distribution of the sample analyzed using Mie Theory (a Fraunhofer model is also built into the software if required, but is not typically recommended).

Measurement Techniques

Two different wavelength light sources are required in order to extend the lower detection limit of the technique. The diagrams below show the 360° light scattering patterns from 50 nm (red line) and 70 nm (orange line) particles as generated using the 650 nm red laser (left) and 405 nm blue LED (right) in the LA-960.

Measurement TechniquesMeasurement Techniques

The patterns are practically identical across all angles at 650 nm and the algorithm will not be able to accurately calculate the different particle sizes. But at 405 nm distinct differences are now seen on wide angle detectors which allows for accurate calculation of these size particles. The blue LED, optical configuration, and advanced electronics combine to make the LA-960 the highest sensitivity instrument on the market, capable of accurately measuring reference materials down to 30 nm.

accurately measuring

Samplers are used to present the sample to the light sources under controlled conditions. An array of liquid samplers are available with different sample volumes to transport the sample and often utilize ultrasound as an energy source to break up agglomerates.  Dry powder feeders use compressed air as both a dispersive energy and driving force to transport the powder through the optics. A complete laser diffraction system must include one sampler, and often includes several in order to match the sample presentation to the application requirements. The diagram below shows a schematic of the default liquid sampler built into the LA-960.

LA-960

The last component of the LA-960 diffraction system is the software which converts light scattering to particle size and controls the instrument. A single display screen provides the operator with all controls required to perform quick, simple manual measurements. Advanced software features including the unique Method Expert Wizards provide automation and advice to aid novice users to become adept at creating robust, reproducible methods that can be easily transferred to additional users and locations.

Applications

The LA-960 is being used in dozens of applications for research, quality control, and production. Find your application for this technology in the Applications Center.

Watch a two minute video detailing how HORIBA Scientific has partnered with Particle Sciences to provide world-class technology and support for their CDMO business.

Video interview with Rob Lee of Particle Sciences

Brochures

LA-960 - Simple, Powerful, Reliable Particle Size Analysis

HORIBA Particle Characterization Lineup

A Guidebook to Particle Size Analysis

Downloads

Why HORIBA Particle Characterization?

The Method Expert - Guided, Automated Method Development (registration required)

Optimization of Dry Powder Particle Size Analysis (registration required)

The HORIBA Guidebook to Particle Size Analysis

LA-960 Result Interpretation Quick Reference

Browse through our extensive collection of Technical Notes, recorded Webinars, and much more in the Download Center.

Resources

LA-960 Performance - Precision - A 40-unit Reproducibility Study

Accessories

Components

LA-960N

LA-960A

LA-960S

LA-960W

LA-960L

Optics

Standard optical system

Aqua type Ethanol can be used as a dispersing additive. (0.01 - 3000μm)   



Standard circulation system

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Pressurized fill adapter

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Liter flow

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Peristaltic pump system

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Solvent type (0.01 - 3000μm)

Standard pump system

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Accessories




Fraction cell holder

Mini flow with ultrasonic unit (0.01- 1000μm)

Paste cell holder

Dry unit (0.1 - 5000μm)

Auto sampler

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Slurry sampler

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Download the White Paper. (registration required)