A correlator for light scattering experiments

Light scattering is frequently used to examine the random motion of physical system particles. By evaluating the autocorrelation function of the acquired signal, structural information of macromolecular solutions can be obtained. Here we present an instrument that is able of calculating the correlation function in real time. The instrument features high-precision capabilities and a wide range of selectable delays. A digital signal processor (DSP) is charged with the calculations, whereas a PC permits the user the management of the global instrument and the visualization and the storing of the evaluated correlation.