PCASP-100X
Passive Cavity Aerosol Spectrometer Probe
The PCASP-100X is an airborne optical spectrometer that measures aerosol particles in the 0.1 µm to 3 µm range.
TALK TO AN EXPERTGet unmatched sensitivity and specificity in real-time measurements of aerosols.
Enable direct measurement of the air stream with the leading cannister-based aircraft instrument.
Power your research with elimination of dead-time losses, plus continuous monitoring of multiple housekeeping variables.
Get user-programmable sample rates, number of channels, and channel size thresholds.
PADS – Particle Analysis and Display System
The PCASP-100X utilizes optional PADS software to provide a user-friendly virtual instrument panel. PADS allows the user to control the PCASP-100X and display real-time data and logs. For instance, the program enables the user to do the following tasks:
- Sample and record data
- View particle volume and number concentrations, as well as Median Volume Diameter (MVD) and Effective Diameter (ED)
- Monitor instrument parameters like laser reference voltage and other instrument-health indicators
- Play back data for post-flight viewing
- Reprocess data with new parameters for additional analysis
Particle light-scattering
- Optical bench collects light that is scattered by individual particles passing through a HeNe, 0.6328 µm laser beam.
- An amplification system with three gain stages covers the full range of particle sizes.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measured Parameters | Particle size (determined from particle light-scattering) Ambient temperature Standard and volumetric flows for sample and sheath air |
| Derived Parameters | Particle Concentration Median Volume Diameter (MVD) Effective Diameter (ED |
| Particle Size Range | 0.1 – 3.0 µm |
| Maximum Count Rate | 3,000 particles/cm3 |
| Counting Efficiency | 50% at minimum threshold, increasing to 100% by the fourth size channel |
| Sampling Frequency | 0.1 to 25 Hz, selectable |
| Flow Rate | Sample flow: 1 cc/sec Sheath flow: 15 cc/sec |
| Air Speed Range | 0 - 250 m/sec |
| Number of Size Bins | Standard is 30 |
| Laser | HeNe multi-mode classical passive cavity, wavelength 0.6328 µm |
| Light Collection Angle | Nominally 35° - 120° |
| Data System Interface | RS-422, 34800 baud rate; USB |
| Power requirements | Probe: 115VAC or 230VAC, 50-60Hz, less than 120W; specify voltage when ordering Anti-ice: 28 VDC, 215 W |
| Weight | 40 lbs (18.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 40” long x 7” diameter (102 cm long x 18 cm diameter) |
| Operating Conditions | Temperature: -30 to +40 °C Altitude: 0 to 30,000 ft (9.1 km) Relative Humidity: 0 - 90% RH (non-condensing) |
PADS software and laptop
Data Acquisition System
Aerosol Generator
The Lifecycle Care Program ensures PCASP integrity and performance vital to your research mission for 3 years or 3 calls (whichever comes first). When conducting complex and time intensive laboratory or field measurements it is critical to avoid down time, and ensure data collection accuracy. The program consists of 3 key deliverables for each year or call:
- Instrument Logistics
- Instrument Integrity
- Instrument Performance
Lifecycle Care Program Includes:
LOGISTICS
- Shipping to and from Droplet Measurement Technologies facility
- Customs handling, including CARNET ATA if required
INTEGRITY
- Incoming instrument evaluation and health check
PERFORMANCE
- Software and firmware validation
- 100%-unit functionality test
- Calibration data
- Calibration report
- Certificate of calibration
At times, our technician might discover an instrument issue, which might not be covered by the Lifecycle Care Program or by our product warranty. In such case we will reach out to you with a service & repair estimate to allow you to provide us with the next steps of action.
A comparative study of aerosol microphysical properties retrieved from ground-based remote sensing and aircraft in situ measurements during a Saharan dust event
An analysis of aerosol microphysical properties during a mineral dust event.
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Aircraft measurements of the impacts of pollution aerosols on clouds and precipitation over the Sierra Nevada
The campaign consisted of in situ aircraft measurements of the polluting aerosols, the composition of the clouds ingesting them, and the way the precipitation-forming processes are affected.
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The mechanism of first raindrops formation in deep convective clouds
The formation of first raindrops in deep convective clouds is investigated.
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