Single Particle Composition Measurement

SRI recently developed a new instrument for determining the chemical composition of single aerosol particles in real-time. Particles in the important respirable size range from 0.2 µm to 10 µm can be detected and identified. The instrument can also provide chemical information on the gas phase species co-located with the particles. The detection method uses thermal vaporization of the particle followed by electron-impact ionization mass spectrometry.

The instrument was operated on the NASA DC-8 research aircraft as part of the SUCCESS field mission to study upper tropospheric aerosols and their effect on cloud formation. It was also used at the US Army Waterways Experimental Station to examine the material expelled by a conventional explosive charge in a bunker containing simulated chemical agents.

This instrument can be used to study a wide variety of topics related to airborne particulates, especially those in the respirable size range for studies of urban air toxics and their on human health. Future improvements will provide real-time composition information for aerosol particles smaller than 0.2 µm in diameter and the ability to detect and identify the chemical nature of organic material adsorbed onto the surface of respirable particles.

Visit the Laboratory - Molecular Physics Laboratory

Technical Contact:
Michael J. Coggiola
(650) 859-3045
michael.coggiola@sri.com