LA-920 is a laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer. It makes use of the rigorous Mie theory (including limiting cases such as the Rayleigh and Fraunhofer theories) to obtain particle size distribution from 0.02 mm to 2000 mm. It has a short measurement time of 20 s (adjustable) and a high precision of 0.6 % tolerance for NIST-traceable particles.

The measurement method can either be continuous using the flow cell, or batch with the fraction cell. A centrifugal pump with 15 steps of power selection provides more than adequate circulation to ensure particle uniformity in the flow cell. Dispersion within the flow cell is achieved by an ultrasonic probe with 7 levels of power output. The fraction cell, which is suitable for valuable samples or dispersants, has a magnetic stirrer to provide the necessary circulation.

There are two sources of light in the LA-920. The first light source is the He-Ne laser at 632.8 nm used mainly for large particles, while the second is a tungsten lamp providing a filtered light at 405 nm for the detection of small particles. The scattered light is detected by a ring detector array consisting of 75 high-purity silicon elements and 12 other side and rear silicon photo diodes.

LA-300 is the affordable version of HORIBA's high-end particle size distribution analyzer, the LA-920. It uses the same rigorous Mie theory to obtain particle size distribution from 0.1 mm to 600 mm. Measurement time is as short as that of its sibling, the LA-920.
Measurement is conducted normally using the flow cell. Batch analysis for precious samples is possible with the fraction cell. Circulation within the flow cell is provided a centrifugal pump, while dispersion is achieved in the ultrasonic chamber. The fraction cell, which is suitable for valuable samples or dispersants, has a magnetic stirrer to provide the necessary circulation.
For the LA-300, a diode laser provides illumination at 650 nm. The scattered light is detected by a ring detector array consisting of 36 high-purity silicon elements and 6 other side and rear silicon photo diodes.

• Easy operation and maintenance (learning to operation time is as short as 1 hour for a new user)
• Programmable button for routine operation (a single button does all operation)
• Large range (0.02-2000 µm) for the LA-920
• High precision and consistency (±0.6% for PSL standard for the LA-920)
• Real-time display of distribution
• Alignment of optical detection system can be done easily and automatically for every measurement (no need for troublesome calibration)
• User can decide on the types and format of data reporting
• Security function for setting access level