Non-destructive controlled single-particle light scattering measurement

- Our new device measures multi-wavelength light scattering of levitating particles.
- The non-destructive approach enables research on highly valuable materials.
- The measurement is calibrated by comparing acquired data to simulations.
- We demonstrate our capabilities by measuring a Chelyabinsk meteorite sample.

We present a set of light scattering data measured from a millimeter-sized extraterrestrial rock sample. The data were acquired by our novel scatterometer, which enables accurate multi-wavelength measurements of single-particle samples whose position and orientation are controlled by ultrasonic levitation. The measurements demonstrate a non-destructive approach to derive optical properties of small mineral samples. This enables research on valuable materials, such as those returned from space missions or rare meteorites.