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Aerosol Measurement Technology

Competencies in the development of field measurement technology for aerosol measurement.

Aerosol particle measurements are used for ambient air measurement pollution monitoring (e.g. personal monitoring) and for the measurement and characterization of particle emissions from combustion processes, for example from diesel engines or biomass combustion.

The Institute for Sensors and Electronics is well proficient in the usual techniques in the aerosol field. In addition to classical measurement techniques (SMPS, CPC etc.), the development of new devices based on light scattering, light absorption (e.g. via photoacoustics, photothermal interferometry) and carbon analysis is also part of our core competence. Another core proficiency is the development of reactors for the simulation of atmospheric conversion processes.

In the framework of this research, highly accurate and highly sensitive electrical current measurements have been developed that offer sub-femtoampere measurement capability. Further work includes aerosol generation and filtration. The Institute for Sensors and Electronics has a well-equipped particle laboratory for this purpose.

Selected projects

DUWAS: Sensor warns against volcanic ash

To increase the safety of aviation, the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is developing a sensor that detects volcanic ash.

to DUWAS: Sensor warns against volcanic ash

Employment of novel tools for the continuous characterization of the carbonaceous fraction in ambient aerosol

Development of a new measurement system to better understand the effects of carbonaceous aerosol on climate and public health.

to Employment of novel tools for the continuous characterization of the carbonaceous fraction in ambient aerosol

Measurement of soot particles with photothermal interferometry

The FHNW Institute for Sensors and Electronics is working on a new measurement method for detecting atmospheric soot particles.

to Measurement of soot particles with photothermal interferometry

Masks on the experimental test rig: How well do they protect against fine aerosol particles?

The Particle Measurement Technology Group of the Institute of Sensor and Electronics FHNW has developed a test rig to assess the filtering efficiency of ...

to Masks on the experimental test rig: How well do they protect against fine aerosol particles?

Cleaning of contaminated air from nanoparticles and viruses

This project aims to test the suitability of these filters for use as “virus removers” to keep the air in hotspots such as public transport (vehicle cabins) ...

to Cleaning of contaminated air from nanoparticles and viruses

Periodic technical inspection for diesel soot emissions

In order to check the exhaust gases of road vehicles regularly, researchers from the FHNW have developed a portable measuring device .

to Periodic technical inspection for diesel soot emissions

DustEar: Detection of single, micrometer sized aerosol particles by acoustic impaction

The FHNW Institute for Sensors and Electronics has developed a new measurement technology that detects aerosol particles by their impaction on a piezo ...

to DustEar: Detection of single, micrometer sized aerosol particles by acoustic impaction

Contact us

Prof. Dr. Ernest Weingartner
Prof. Dr. Ernest Weingartner

Lecturer in Sensor and Aerosol Technology

Telephone +41 56 202 79 18 (direct)