We present Scanning Mobility CCN Analysis (SMCA) as a novel method for obtaining rapid measurements of size-resolved cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) distributions and activation kinetics. SMCA involves sampling the monodisperse outlet stream of a Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) operated in scanning voltage mode concurrently with CCN and condensation particle counters. By applying the same inversion algorithm as used for obtaining size distributions with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), CCN concentration and activated droplet size are obtained as a function of mobility size over the timescale of an SMPS scan (typically 60-120 s). Methods to account for multiple charging, particle non-sphericity, and limited counting statistics are presented. SMCA is demonstrated using commercial SMPS and CFSTGC instruments with the manufacturer-provided control software. The method is evaluated for activation of both laboratory aerosol and ambient aerosol obtained during the 2004 NEAQS-ITCT2k4 field campaign. It is shown that SMCA reproduces the results obtained with a DMA operating in voltage "stepping" mode. Copyright © American Association for Aerosol Research.
CITATION STYLE
Moore, R. H., Nenes, A., & Medina, J. (2010). Scanning mobility CCN analysis-A method for fast measurements of size-resolved CCN distributions and activation kinetics. Aerosol Science and Technology, 44(10), 861–871. https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2010.498715
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