A Lightweight, Low-Power, Autonomous Single Particle Aerosol Nephelometer

An advanced single particle spectrometer (ASPN) will be developed that will be deployable on fixed, mobile or airborne measurement platforms. Particle size measurement will be from 0.15 to 5 ¿m. Light scattering will be used as the analytical technique to size particles. The unit will have an open cavity design to avoid changing the nature of the particles due to drying or loss of volatile material. The ASPN will operate autonomously for extended periods of time and can be interrogated remotely to ascertain system status and download data. The capability of remote interrogation is an additional feature not found in any commercially available instrument. The Phase I activity will be a proof of concept study that combining a detailed analysis of the optical and electronic systems with a laboratory validation of the optical design. The deliverable will be a detailed analysis that demonstrates the viability of the optical, electrical and mechanical designs, as well as test data.