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.