Welcome to “Understand your instruments: A Series for Curious Researchers” - your gateway to understanding the technologies behind the world’s leading instruments. Whether you're new to the lab or looking to sharpen your skills, this series is designed to help you learn, relearn, and confidently apply the science behind the tools.

What You’ll Learn – 30 Minutes, One Technology at a Time

Each short video gives you a focused walkthrough of a key instrument—how it works, how to use it, and how to interpret your data. From particle sizing to biophysical analysis, each session delivers practical insights in just 30 minutes—designed for anyone passionate about science, research, and innovation.

Featured Technologies & Instruments

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Mastersizer 3000 +

Laser diffraction made simple: wet & dry measurements, data interpretation.

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Zetasizer Advance

Master DLS & ELS for size and zeta potential analysis.

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Measuring airborne particles with precision using laser diffraction.

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FT4 Powder Rheometer

Understand powder flow and streamline your workflow.

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Morphologi 4 & 4-ID

Combine particle imaging with Raman spectroscopy for deeper insights

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Explore label-free interaction analysis with GCI technology.

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AccuPyc & GeoPyc

Dive into density and porosity with pycnometry.

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Discover the fundamentals of calorimetry for biophysical characterization.

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XRD

Discover the structural secrets of crystalline materials

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XRF

Elemental analyisis using EDXRF spectrometry

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Watch Videos: 30 Minutes, One Technology at a Time

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What you'll learn:: Are you starting research this autumn using a piece of material characterisation equipment new to you? Don't worry, this video series will cover all the essentials you need in 30 minutes. Laser diffraction is one of the worlds most used particle sizing techniques. This video will cover how the technology works, the basics of taking a good wet and dry measurement and how to interpret the data taken.

Presenter:: Dr. Steve Ward-Smith - Application Specialist

Zetasizer

What you'll learn:: Beginning research this autumn with a material characterization tool that’s new to you? Join our video series to learn the essentials in just 30 minutes. This video will cover how Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) technologies work, guide you through the basics of taking a good size and zeta potential measurement on the Zetasizer Advance series, and help you to understand how to interpret your data. Providing you with the knowledge and confidence to get started quickly.

Presenter:: Dr. Yu-Su Chen Application Specialist

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What you'll learn:: Are you starting research this autumn or returning to lab work and using a materials characterisation instrument that is new to you? We’ve got you covered with our “Back to the Lab” video series. There are a few things to consider when using laser diffraction to measure the size distribution of the variety of particles in different airborne samples. In this video, we’ll look at how the Spraytec is used for these measurements, and how to optimise results through correct instrument configuration, sample preparation and data analysis. All the essentials you’ll need in 30 minutes, to start your work or refresh your knowledge.

Presenter:: Dr. John Ddungu Application Specialist

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What you'll learn:: New to the FT4 Powder Rheometer or looking to refresh your knowledge? This video is designed to help you get the most out of this powerful tool, with a clear walkthrough of the test programs, how they work, why they matter, and when to use them. Learn quick tips for reliable, repeatable data and how to spot when results could be improved. We’ll cover instrument audits and share clever hacks to streamline your workflow. Plus, discover where to find ongoing resources to support your research and lab work all in just 30 minutes!

Presenter:: Dr. Hannah Buckland - Application Specialist

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What you'll learn:: Are you beginning research this autumn with a material characterisation tool that’s new to you? Join our video series to learn the essentials in just 30 minutes. We’ll show you how automated imaging provides valuable information on particle size and shape, and how combining it with Raman spectral identification offers powerful insights into your material. This session will cover how the technology works, the basics of sample preparation, and how to make the most of your measurements.

Presenter:: Dr. Nellie Chourmouziadi-Laleni - Application Specialist

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What you'll learn:: Are you starting research this autumn using a material characterisation tool new to you? Join our video series to get up to speed in just 30 minutes. Dive into the WAVEsystem, powered by Creoptix grating-coupled interferometry (GCI) technology, a next generation bioanalytical technique offering label free interaction analysis to enhance your binding characterisation workflows. This session will cover how the technology works, the basics of designing a kinetics experiment, and how to interpret your data. Perfect for researchers new to GCI or looking to refresh their knowledge.

Presenter:: Dr. Jess Watts - Application Specialist

Zetasizer

What you'll learn:: Density is a key characteristic for many materials and can give key insights into its composition and purity, as well as helping to predict future behaviours. Pycnometers, such as the AccuPyc and GeoPyc, help to quickly determine the skeletal, bulk and envelope densities quickly and repeatably. In this webinar, we look at the basic principles of pycnometry and key considerations when developing a method. The video ends by looking at how we can using density measurements to investigate the porosity of samples, and how these measurements compare with mercury intrusion porosimetry.

Presenter:: Dr. Ben Lynch - Application Specialist

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What you'll learn:: Are you beginning research this autumn with a material characterisation tool that’s new to you? Join our webAre you starting research this autumn using a biophysical characterization tool new to you? Join our video series to get up to speed in just 30 minutes. Turn up the heat and explore the power of calorimetry. This session introduces the fundamentals of Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), including how the technology works, how to design effective experiments and getting the most from your instrument. Ideal for researchers who are new to ITC, DSC or looking for a refresher.nar series to learn the essentials in just 30 minutes. We’ll show you how automated imaging provides valuable information on particle size and shape, and how combining it with Raman spectral identification offers powerful insights into your material. This session will cover how the technology works, the basics of sample preparation, and how to make the most of your measurements.

Presenter:: Dr. Raul Pacheco-Gomez - Application Specialist

What you'll learn:: Explore how X-ray Diffraction (XRD) reveals the structural secrets of crystalline materials. This video covers the fundamentals of XRD, how to prepare samples, and how to interpret diffraction patterns to identify phases, crystallinity, and more.

Presenter:: Dr. Paul O'Meara - Application Specialist

What you'll learn:: Discover how Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry enables fast, non-destructive elemental analysis across a wide range of materials. This video covers the principles of EDXRF, sample preparation tips, and how to interpret spectral data for accurate results

Presenter:: Dr. Andy Scothern - Application Specialist

Ask an Expert:
Live Webinar

Wrap up the series with an exclusive live session where all our experts come together to answer your questions. This is your chance to:

Get direct insights from the minds behind the instruments
Ask questions about your research, setup, or data
Learn best practices and troubleshooting tips

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