Response Characteristics of the Particle Measuring Systems Active Scattering Aerosol Spectrometer Probe (ASASP–X)

Abstract

Response characteristics of the Particle Measuring Systems active scattering aerosol spectrometer probe are investigated. Response measurements on monodisperse nonabsorbing latex and highly absorbing nigrosin aerosols are in general agreement with theoretical predictions, although the predicted fine-structure resonances for micron-size particles are not experimentally resolved. The results suggest the manufacturer's instrument calibration (or a slight modification thereof) is appropriate for spherical particles having real refractive index 1.5 < n < 1.6, sos long as they are not highly absorbing. Water haze aerosols and carbonaceous smokes require substantially different calibration procedures, as undersizing will generally occur if the manufacturer's calibration is applied.