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A method called "image-sedimentation", based on the application of Stokes' law to suspension and image techniques, is proposed for the rapid analysis of particle size distributions. A parallel beam of optical light, after passing through a cell containing particles, is measured with a linear image sensor with 2048 photodetectors to determine the attenuated light intensity displayed on a monitor screen. The settling height between any given point and the liquid surface can be measured accurately by use of this image technique without any additional mechanical device to move either the light beam or the glass cell containing the suspension. Consequently, the total time required for the determination of the particle size distribution, typically of a carborundum powder having a median diameter of 5 mu m, takes only 5 min as compared with more than 20 min by using other instruments based on the sedimentation principle.A method called "image-sedimentation", based on the application of Stokes' law to suspension and image techniques, is proposed for the rapid analysis of particle size distributions. A parallel beam of optical light, after passing through a cell containing particles, is measured with a linear image sensor with 2048 photodetectors to determine the attenuated light intensity displayed on a monitor screen. The settling height between any given point and the liquid surface can be measured accurately by use of this image technique without any additional mechanical device to move either the light beam or the glass cell containing the suspension. Consequently, the total time required for the determination of the particle size distribution, typically of a carborundum powder having a median diameter of 5 mu m, takes only 5 min as compared with more than 20 min by using other instruments based on the sedimentation principle