An intelligent correlator based on a DSP

The measurement of light scattering is a widely used experimental technique for the analysis of particle random motion. In turn, signal correlation can provide information about the physical properties of fluids in thermic balance or in macromolecular solutions. This work is aimed at the realization of a new low cost instrument showing high precision and a wide range of delays, to calculate the correlation function in real time. The instrument at present, in a phase of design and development, is based on a powerful digital signal processor, charged with the calculation of the correlation function and on a personal computer dedicated to interaction with the user and to management of the instrument.