Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer Spectrometers

SMPS spectrometry remains a gold standard for nanoparticle size distribution measurements. By scanning the classification voltage and counting transmitted particles, SMPS systems map concentration versus size with high resolution and well-understood uncertainties. This approach helps laboratories produce comparable datasets across projects, sites, and years.

Core components:

• Electrostatic Classifier: Delivers a stable sheath flow and controlled aerosol flow to the DMA.
• DMA: Selects a narrow electrical mobility slice at each scan step.
• Detector: CPCs support ultrafine sensitivities, while electrometers extend dynamic range for higher concentrations.
• Software: Automates scans, applies multiple charge corrections, and generates size distribution outputs and reports.

Applications:

• Ambient and Climate Studies: Resolve ultrafine mode behavior and nucleation events.
• Filter and Respiratory Research: Quantify size-dependent penetration and efficiency.
• Material Synthesis: Track growth and agglomeration to refine process parameters.
• Instrument Calibration: Provide reference distributions for CPC and OPC checks.

Configuration guidance:

• Size Range: Choose DMA geometry and detector pairings that align with target sizes and concentrations.
• Flow Strategy: Set sheath-to-aerosol ratios to tune resolution and scan duration.
• Charge Neutralization: Employ stable neutralizers to approach Boltzmann charge distributions.
• Sample Conditioning: Use dilution, drying, or impactors to manage humidity and polydispersity.

Data confidence:

• Instrument health checks, leak testing, and periodic calibration with traceable size standards support quality results.
• Software export formats and APIs simplify data sharing and archiving for multi-site collaboration.

Whether you are building a primary research platform or standardizing methods across a network, SMPS spectrometers help teams generate consistent, actionable nanoparticle data. Connect with our specialists to tailor a system for your protocols and throughput goals.