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Scientist working with the LenS3 MALS Detector

Multi-Angle Light Scattering Made Easy

From principles to real-world results - everything you need to know about MALS.

Understand MALS and its principles

Measure Absolute Molecular Weight and Size with MALS Detection

  • Fully compatible with liquid chromatography setups
  • Primarily used with Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) and Gel-Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
  • Calibration-free determination of molecular weight and size
LenS Flow Diagram
LenS laser illustration

How MALS Uses Light Scattering to Determine Absolute Molecular Weight and Size

  • Light increasingly scatters forward as molecular weight increases.
  • Angular intensity differences measured at low and high angle detectors determine molecular size.

SEC‑MALS Results: Identifying Structure, Composition, and Identity of Eluting Peaks

  • Combined MW and Rg measurements add significant information for interpreting molecular identity and structural composition of eluting peaks. 
SEC-MALS Results.

Learn more about the principles of light scattering


From setup to data analysis and troubleshooting

Requirements for a reliable MALS analysis

  • MALS Education - Well defined separation

    Well defined separation

    Baseline separation or clear peaks

  • MALS Education - Reliable concentration information

    Reliable concentration information

    Clear concentration signal & accurate dn/dc or dA/dc

  • MALS Education - Clean optical conditions

    Clean optical conditions

    Stable baseline and high S/N ratio

  • MALS Education - Guided data evaluation with reduced user bias

    Guided data evaluation with reduced user bias

    Step-by-step guidance and automated steps

Learn to achieve reliable conditions  

Download Practical Beginner's Guide


Real applications relating measurement to structure.


From theory to practice:   
hands-on SEC-MALS courses   

Understanding MALS is the first step. Applying it confidently comes from hands‑on experience.

Our SEC‑MALS courses combine guided experiments, real data analysis, and expert discussion — designed to help you generate reliable results in practice.

What makes our courses different

  • Hands‑on SEC‑MALS experiments with real samples and workflows
  • Guided data evaluation (MW, Rg, composition) — not just theory
  • Practical troubleshooting & expert discussion 


Learn about our 2026 courses 

Download flyer Polymer course

Download flyer biomolecule course

LenS MALS Education Scientists

MAKE IT ABSOLUTE. MAKE IT TOSOH.

Gain trust in your results with the LenSTM3 for absolute molecular weight characterization. Connect with our Chromatography Experts to learn how MALS can improve your analysis.

 

Subin Damodaran

Subin Damodaran  
Commercial Product Manager - Analytical Solutions

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