Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a compact sensor that directly measures nano- to micro-scale airborne particles. The device captures particles in real time without needing multiple instruments or lab analysis. It improves detection of the smallest, most harmful particles that are often missed by existing tools. Its lightweight design makes it practical for everyday use in the field.
Airborne particles, especially at the nanoscale, pose serious health risks because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Traditional monitoring systems often rely on indirect measurements or multiple bulky instruments, which can lead to particle loss and delayed results. Existing tools may also struggle to accurately detect sub-micron particles, limiting their usefulness in high-risk environments. There is a growing need for portable, accurate, and real-time exposure monitoring solutions for nanomaterials.
This technology is a personal airborne particle sensor that captures particles directly onto a sensor surface using a combination of diffusion (effective for nanoscale particles) and impaction (for larger particles). As particles accumulate, the sensor measures changes, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of airborne particulate exposure. A built-in circuit reads the signals, and the modular design lets the electronics be reused separately from the sampling part
The design enhances collection efficiency for smaller particles while minimizing interference from larger ones. Experimental results showed approximately 77% of captured particles measuring below 1 micrometer in diameter. This highlights the device’s strong sensitivity to sub-micron particles, a key advantage over many conventional methods.
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Aly Hoeher
Aly.Hoeher@colostate.edu
970-491-7100