Particle Size Standards
Known-size PSL and silica particles for calibration of particle-sizing instruments, inspection systems and metrology workflows.
PSL particle standards
Polystyrene latex microspheres are commonly used as calibration references because their particle size can be tightly controlled. They are used in particle-sizing and inspection applications where a known nominal diameter is required.
Silica particle standards
Silica particles provide an inorganic reference material for applications where silica better matches optical, material or process requirements.
Choose by instrument and presentation method
The same nominal size can be purchased for different workflows. Some instruments use suspension standards directly; semiconductor inspection calibration may require particles deposited onto a wafer. Identify the instrument and application before selecting the format.
RFQ inputs
- Nominal particle size or size range
- PSL or silica
- Instrument manufacturer and model
- Required concentration or presentation format
- Traceability/documentation requirement
The correct particle standard matches the instrument’s sample path
Start with how the instrument receives and observes the reference. Then specify material, nominal size, concentration or mass, container or substrate, documentation and quantity.
A particle suspension intended for one calibration workflow should not be substituted for a deposited wafer or dry material simply because the nominal diameter is similar.
RFQ fields
- Instrument manufacturer and model
- Particle material
- Nominal diameter or size range
- Suspension, powder or required presentation
- Concentration, volume or mass when applicable
- Certificate and traceability needs
- Quantity, destination and required date
PSL and silica are selected for different reasons
PSL microspheres are often chosen for their uniform spherical geometry and established use in particle sizing and counter verification. Silica is an inorganic option used where material composition or optical behavior matters to the method.
Documentation belongs in the product definition
Do not treat certificate content as a generic add-on. If the laboratory needs specific characterization, traceability language, concentration data or lot information, require it in the quotation.
Handling affects usability
Ask for current storage, handling, mixing and use instructions for the quoted product. Particle standards can be sensitive to contamination, aggregation or procedural variation; the manufacturer’s instructions should control.
Buying and specification questions
Answers are intentionally scoped to the purchasing decision. Final engineering details, configuration, price and lead time are confirmed in the quotation and manufacturer documentation.
What instrument information should be included?
Provide the instrument manufacturer/model and the procedure or sample method used to introduce the standard.
Can GSE quote PSL and silica particles?
Yes, for selected particle-standard requirements. The material, size, format and documentation must be defined.
What is the difference between a particle standard and a calibration wafer?
A particle standard may be supplied in suspension or another format. A calibration wafer places reference particles on a wafer substrate for surface-inspection workflows.
Are exact packaging and concentration options listed online?
No. Current options are confirmed for the requested size, material and format in the quotation.
Quote the material, size, concentration, uncertainty, traceability and packaging
Do not compare a label such as “NIST traceable” without comparing the certificate and measurement chain.
Turn this research into a controlled technical request.
Send the application, model, specification or drawing. GSE will preserve the technical lane, identify missing scope and verify current commercial details without treating website copy as an offer.
- Unique request reference
- Completeness score
- Technical-lane routing
- No fabricated channel or inventory claims