Non-destructive controlled single-particle light scattering measurement

Highlights: • 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.