For calibration
Start with the instrument, measurand, target response, required traceability and accepted calibration method.
Terminology that prevents order errors
Use the size value first and the family name second.
A buyer asking for “silica microspheres” may need 250 nm particles; another may mean 10 µm. A buyer asking for “nanoparticles” may be using the term for every sub-micron material. Neither label is sufficiently precise by itself.
| Term | Useful working meaning | What it does not guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Nanoparticle | Particle with nanoscale dimensions under a defined terminology framework | Sphericity, monodispersity, medium, surface or absence of aggregates |
| Microsphere | Spherical or near-spherical particle commonly described in the sub-micron-to-micron range | A particular lower or upper size boundary |
| Colloidal silica | Silica dispersed as a colloidal system | One fixed diameter, concentration or stability window |
| Silica powder | Dry particulate material supplied without a liquid carrier | Dispersibility, primary-particle isolation or low dust exposure |
Size hierarchy
Write the requirement as an explicit value and tolerance.
20 nm0.020 µm
100 nm0.100 µm
250 nm0.250 µm
1,000 nm1.000 µm
2,500 nm2.500 µm
Applied Physics currently presents one commercial silica dispersion family in the 20–200 nm range and another microsphere family in the 250–1000 nm range, along with broader dry-powder offerings. Those ranges are useful family boundaries, not a statement that every size is always in stock.
Decision rule
Do not let terminology choose the product.
For formulation
Start with matrix compatibility, surface chemistry, dispersion energy, loading, viscosity and downstream processing.
For wafer inspection
Start with inspection wavelength, tool model, wafer substrate, deposition pattern and target detection response.
Questions engineers ask
Frequently asked questions
Is there a hard technical boundary between a nanoparticle and a microsphere?
There are formal nanoscale definitions, but commercial naming is inconsistent. Use nominal diameter, distribution and method rather than assuming the label creates a universal boundary.
Does “microsphere” guarantee perfect sphericity?
No. It generally indicates a spherical or near-spherical product family. Morphology evidence should be reviewed when shape is critical.
Sources and verification
Technical basis
- ISO nano-object terminology — Provides the formal terminology context for nanoscale particles.
- Applied Physics 20–200 nm family — Current commercial family reference.
- Applied Physics 250–1000 nm family — Current microsphere family reference.
Commercial specifications should be confirmed against the current Applied Physics quotation, certificate, lot documentation and product page before purchase or protocol use.
Continue the research
Related technical guidance
Size conversion chart
Convert nm, µm and mm without order-of-magnitude errors.
Product families
Compare current Applied Physics silica pathways.
Particle size distribution
Add distribution width to the nominal value.
Applied Physics technical pathway
Need a particle specification reviewed?
Send the target size, medium, concentration, application, certificate requirements and shipping destination. Applied Physics can evaluate the appropriate silica family or custom pathway.