ISSN:
1572-896X
Keywords:
nanoparticles
;
pulse height analysis
;
aerosol
;
particle size
;
condensation particle counter
;
light scattering
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
,
Technology
Notes:
Abstract Several of the most common methods for measuring nanoparticle size distributions employ the ultrafine condensation particle counter (UCPC) for detection purposes. Among these methods, the pulse height analysis (PHA) technique, in which the optical response of the UCPC detector is related to initial particle diameter in the 3–10 nm range, prevails in applications where fast sampling is required or for which concentrations of nanoparticles are frequently very low. With the PHA technique, white light is required for particle illumination in order to obtain a monotonic relationship between initial particle diameter and optical response (pulse height). However, the popular, commercially available TSI Model 3025A UCPC employs a laser for particle detection. Here, we report on a novel white-light detection system developed for the 3025A UCPC that involves minimal alteration to the instrument and preserves normal counting operation. Performance is illustrated with pulse height spectra produced by differential mobility analyzer (DMA) – generated calibration aerosols in the 3–50 nm range.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1010042604201
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