INNOVATIVE SEEDING MATERIALS FOR FLUID DYNAMICS

Edinburgh – May 2008 – Microsphere Technology Ltd (MTL), a UK-based global supplier of coated glass microspheres, announced the launch of its latest product - a novel seeding material specifically engineered to provide substantial benefits to users in optical flow diagnostics such as Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser Doppler Analysis.

Working in partnership with Laser & Imaging Sciences Ltd, the new ISOSPHERESTM seeding material has been developed and optimised to deliver enhanced light scattering compared to traditional seeding materials such as silver particles.

Dr Tom Johnston, Head of Research at MTL, commented “Our products are carefully designed using our novel patented process for coating glass spheres with titania. We use our expertise to ensure the particles demonstrate optimal buoyancy characteristics. Achieving a density close to that of water ensures virtually all particles remain in suspension, even at the lowest fluid flows. We can tailor the density of our spheres for optimal buoyancy within any liquid system.”

Jean-Baptiste Richon, Head of Laser & Imaging Sciences Ltd, said “We have carried out very detailed laboratory evaluations on the microspheres. They give excellent results and we have further confirmed this in tests carried out by our customers. As a result we have just received our first commercial orders.”

John Bamforth, MTL Director, confirmed that “This is the first of a series of ISOSPHERESTM products which will be launched for the flow visualisation community. MTL is actively preparing the launch of its next product, which is for the Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) application.”

Full technical performance details of the ISOSPHERESTM products will be released at the ISFV13 conference on 1 – 4th July 2008 in Nice, and at the International Symposium on Applications of Laser Techniques to Fluid Mechanics from 7 – 10th July in Lisbon.

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Further information is available at www.microspheretechnology.com For enquiries please contact MTL on +44 (0)131 445 6272 or info@microspheretechnology.com

About Microsphere Technology Ltd

Microsphere Technology Limited (MTL) is an innovative materials technology company located at the Pentlands Science Park near Edinburgh. The core technology of MTL is the ability to coat hollow, borosilicate glass microspheres with pigments, dyes, metals and metal oxides. The resulting coated microspheres provide lightweight, easily manipulated alternatives to conventional materials and can be used in a wide range of industries and applications.

Laser & Imaging Sciences (LIS) specialise in the design, development and application of solutions in laser imaging, diagnostic and optical metrology. Our customers benefit from independent expertise and from a complete range of services, all the way from preparing specifications to purchasing, integration and direct support. LIS have developed a strong customer base in experimental fluid dynamics through continued innovation and expert application support.