On Aerosol Size Distribution Measurement by Laser and White Light Optical Particle Counters

Light scattering optical particle counters are widely used for size distribution measurement of aerosol particles. The accuracy of the measured size distribution is dependent upon the response of the counter, which is affected by the refractive index and shape of the particles as well as by the optical design of the instrument, including the light source used. This paper addresses the measurement accuracy of the optical particle counter. Data are presented showing the response characteristics of several widely used commercial optical counters and the comparative size distribution measurement made by means of these instruments.