Methods, systems and computer readable media for computing small particle
size distributions of particles in a process stream comprising a sample
dilute colloid. A reference matrix of pre-computed reference vectors is
provided. Each reference vector represents a discrete particle size or
particle size range of a particle size distribution of particles
contained in a dilute colloid. Each reference vector represents a
reference extinction spectrum over a predetermined wavelength range. A
measurement vector representing a measured extinction spectrum of the
sample particles in the sample colloid is provided, wherein the measured
extinction spectrum has been spectrophotometrically measured over the
wavelength range. The particle size distribution and particle
concentrations of the particles in the sample colloid are determined
using the reference matrix, the measurement vector and linear equations.