Attension® Theta Optical Tensiometers
Attension® Theta Lite Tensiometer
Compact and Convenient
Compact tensiometer with plug-and-play accessories and smart features, such as dual dispensing for rapid surface free energy data
Powerful Software
Run sophisticated analysis algorithms using the same OneAttension software as the Theta Flow and Theta Flex tensiometers
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Precise & Budget-conscious Optical Tensiometer
The Theta Lite supports both manual and automated dispensers, with flexible configurations to accommodate different measurement routines. Optional accessories such as a manual tilting stage and heated chambers expand its capabilities to include dynamic contact angles and temperature-controlled measurements. It is widely used in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, food, energy, paper, and packaging, where consistent surface and interfacial data are critical for research and quality control.
supported measurements
Sessile Drop / Static Contact Angle
Places a drop of liquid and captures images of the droplet sitting stationary on the surface
Applications:
Industrial cleaning assessments, printing, petroleum, medical devices
Sessile Drop: Batch Mode
Carries out static contact angle measurements at various locations on the same sample
Applications:
Surface cleanliness, paint adhesion, coatings, other surface properties
Dynamic Contact Angle with Needle-in Droplet
Measures advancing and receding contact angles as a droplet grows and shrinks on the surface
Applications:
Hydrophobic coatings, self-cleaning surfaces, surface heterogeneity characterization
Dynamic Contact Angle with Tilting
Assesses the advancing and receding angles and the resulting hysteresis using a tilting stage or tilting cradle
Applications:
Hydrophobic coatings, self-cleaning surfaces, surface heterogeneity characterization
Pendant Drop / Interfacial Tension
Measures the force between two immiscible liquids to evaluate how easily they mix or separate
Applications:
Enhanced oil recovery, pharmaceuticals, emulsions, surfactants
Meniscus Method / Surface Tension
Measures the cohesive force at a liquid’s surface to evaluate spreading, wetting, and formulation behavior
Applications:
Detergents, agrochemicals, paints, food science, pharmaceuticals
Pulsating Drop / Interfacial Viscoelasticity
Measures how interfacial layers respond to deformation by oscillating the droplet area to evaluate viscoelastic properties
Applications:
Emulsion stability, foam stability, surfactant performance, pharmaceutical formulations
Roughness Corrected Contact Angle
Isolates texture effects to show true wettability without being skewed by surface topography
Applications:
Medical device biocompatibility, printing on surfaces, packaging, 3D printing
Surface Free Energy
Evaluates how easily liquids spread or stick to a solid surface by measuring surface wettability
Applications:
Surface cleanliness, powder processing, adhesives, paints,
Theta Lite Tensiometer
Product Features
User-Friendly Software
The Theta Lite runs on OneAttension, the intuitive software used across the full Attension line. Clear workflows guide users through setup, measurement, analysis, and reporting with minimal training required. Live imaging, adjustable parameters, user profiles, and recipe creation simplify the process while maintaining high accuracy. Results can be reviewed in real time or exported for further analysis, making the software practical for both routine tasks and in-depth studies.
High-Resolution Imaging
The Theta Lite is equipped with a digital camera that captures high-resolution images for precise droplet shape analysis. Users adjust focus manually using a linear rail, while brightness, gain, and exposure can be fine-tuned through the software. The camera integrates directly with OneAttension for real-time visualization and detailed frame-by-frame analysis. This setup supports consistent, accurate measurements across a variety of sample types.
| Resolution | 1936 x 1216 px |
| Maximum Frame Rate | 2247 fps |
| Field of View | 2, 3 x 0, 2 ... 6, 6 x 4, 1 |
Controlled Droplet Volume
The Theta Lite forms droplets using either a manual one-touch dispenser or optional automated dispensers. The manual syringe has a continuous adjustment range, and the droplet volume appears live in the OneAttension software for visual matching. Automated options include disposable tip dispensers and precision syringe modules for volumes down to 0.1 µL. Users can attach two dispensers for surface free energy measurements using different liquids. These tools keep drop size consistent from one test to the next.
Modular Accessory Support
The Theta Lite works with a wide range of modular accessories for different types of measurements. Options include tilting stages for dynamic contact angle studies, temperature-controlled chambers, and dispensers for one or two liquids. Each component connects directly to the base instrument without custom modifications. This setup makes it easy to switch between applications like SFE analysis, interfacial tension, or environmental control.
Compact & Adaptable
Compact and adaptable, the Theta Lite fits easily on a standard lab bench without sacrificing functionality. Its lightweight frame makes it easy to reposition or store when not in use, which is especially helpful in shared or space-limited environments. Though small in size, the system supports a broad range of measurements and accessories, making it a practical choice for both routine and advanced surface science work.
Application Support & Local Service
In the US and Canada, the Attension products are supported and serviced by Nanoscience Instruments. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional application support and field service, ensuring your team of users is well-trained and the instrument is up and running in optimal condition. Whether you are interested in discussing the feasibility of a specific experiment or need help with troubleshooting your Attension system, our Support teams are here for you!
Theta Lite Tensiometer
Product Accessories
Heated Cuvette Chamber
Fluid bath cuvette chamber for interfacial tension studies for measurement of interfacial tension between two liquids by pendant/raising drop method.
Requires water bath
Measuring Chamber
Measuring chamber, fluid bath heated, 110° C (C203W): Thermostatted fluid bath measuring chamber for air phase temperature control of substrate and drop.
Requires fluid bath
Tilting Stage
Tilting stage with manual tilting. Used for studying dynamic contact angles. Tilting range from 0 to 90°. Coarse and fine tilting movement.
Attension® Theta Lite Tensiometer
Product Knowledgebase
Webinar
Interfacial dilatational rheology is a useful tool to investigate the properties of liquid…
Blog
Evaluating Medical Device Coatings with Picoliter Droplets
Coatings for invasive medical devices are critical in ensuring their safety, performance,…
White Paper
Surface and interfacial tensions of liquids significantly affect their wetting behavior an…