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Publication
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The Continuous-Flow Streamwise Thermal-Gradient Cloud Condensation Nuclei Counter is a commercially available instrument that is widely used for laboratory and field measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Typically, the instrument is operated at a constant flow rate, and supersaturation is adjusted by changing the column streamwise temperature difference, which is slow and may introduce particle volatilization biases. We present a new mode of operation, termed Scanning Flow CCN Analysis (SFCA), in which the flow rate in the growth chamber is changed over time, while maintaining a constant temperature gradient. This causes supersaturation to continuously change, allowing the rapid and continuous measurement of supersaturation spectra over timescales relevant for airborne measurements ( 10-60 seconds and potentially even less) without being affected by shifts in activation kinetics and aerosol composition. SFCA has been evaluated with both calibration and ambient aerosol with excellent results.
Julia Schmale, Andrea Baccarini
Julia Schmale, Andrea Baccarini