1. A method for the identification of unknown particles contained in a fluid comprising: a) providing a source of radiation and at least one detection means to detect said radiation located in a predetermined position relative to the radiation source, positioned to investigate a fluid, b) interrogating said fluid with said source of radiation; c) measuring the radiation scattered by an unknown particle in the fluid at said at least one detection means; d) comparing the results obtained in step (c) with standard results previously obtained from a previously identified particle, wherein said standard results are obtained by generating a radiation scattering pattern capable of uniquely identifying said previously identified particle; and e) identifying said unknown particle based upon the comparison of step (d).