Author: Tetsuji YAMAGUTI; Manager; Scientific & Semiconductor Instruments; R&D Dept.; HORIBA, LTD.; Ph. D. – The LA-960 particle size distribution instrument which uses laser diffraction/scattering was released in 2013. This measurement method can analyze many particles simultaneously in a short period of time, without contact, with high precision and repeatability. The LA-960 has accessories for several types of samples such as concentrated slurries, i.e. CMP, water soluble powders such as pharmaceuticals, agglomerated powders such as magnetic materials and small volume samples. We will discuss the features of the instrument and accessories in detail. We will also provide actual measurement examples to illustrate the instrument performance. Recently, the LA-350 particle size distribution instrument featuring laser diffraction/scattering was also released. We will discuss the features of the instrument which include a reasonable size measurement range and high performance in a very compact product.

Author:Takahito INOUE; Scientific & Semiconductor Instruments; R&D Dept.; HORIBA, LTD. Author:Akihiro HIRANO; Manager; Scientific & Semiconductor Instruments; R&D Dept.; HORIBA, LTD. – In recent years, analysis of the gases (oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen/carbon and sulfur) included in various materials has become very important in material development for things such as composite materials and improving product quality. Out of these, carbon and sulfur analysis methods are widely used in areas such as iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, and ceramics. A stream of oxygen combustion method is used for this gas analysis, and it is also necessary to do maintenance such as removing the oxide dust generated during the material combustion/oxidation processes. HORIBA developed new easy-to-use Carbon/ Sulfur Analyzers that reduce the frequency of this maintenance and achieve fundamental system performance. In this paper, we introduce the mechanisms for achieving this, and the main applications for the features such as the intuitive interface.