Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein relate generally to the improvement of data quality in optical liquid particle counters and control of optical particle counters to achieve longer expected lifetime, for example by avoiding damage caused by electromagnetic radiation and heat. The systems and methods incorporate sensors which characterize the fluid flowing through the flow cell, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing the number of false positives.

Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein relate generally to the improvement of data quality in optical liquid particle counters and control of optical particle counters to achieve longer expected lifetime, for example by avoiding damage caused by electromagnetic radiation and heat. The systems and methods incorporate sensors which characterize the fluid flowing through the flow cell, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing the number of false positives.

Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein relate generally to the improvement of data quality in optical liquid particle counters and control of optical particle counters to achieve longer expected lifetime, for example by avoiding damage caused by electromagnetic radiation and heat. The systems and methods incorporate sensors which characterize the fluid flowing through the flow cell, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing the number of false positives.

Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein relate generally to the improvement of data quality in optical liquid particle counters and control of optical particle counters to achieve longer expected lifetime, for example by avoiding damage caused by electromagnetic radiation and heat. The systems and methods incorporate sensors which characterize the fluid flowing through the flow cell, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing the number of false positives.

Abstract: An optical particle counter has a gain-apertured laser cavity producing laser light, an inlet jet providing fluid flow into a particle detecting region within the laser cavity, the inlet jet having an inlet jet orifice; a detection optics assembly located to collect light scattered from particles with the detecting region for producing an output signal indicative of the particles; and an optical barrier complex located to reduce noise as compared to the gain-apertured system without the optical barrier complex for fluid flow rates greater than or equal to about 0.1 cubic feet per minute. The optical barrier complex inhibits laser light from illuminating turbulent eddy currents originating on the interior walls of the inlet jet. The optical barrier complex includes one or more physical apertures, one or more optical stops, or both which are located to prevent laser light from illuminating the eddy currents.

Abstract: An optical particle counter has a gain-apertured laser cavity producing laser light, an inlet jet providing fluid flow into a particle detecting region within the laser cavity, the inlet jet having an inlet jet orifice; a detection optics assembly located to collect light scattered from particles with the detecting region for producing an output signal indicative of the particles; and an optical barrier complex located to reduce noise as compared to the gain-apertured system without the optical barrier complex for fluid flow rates greater than or equal to about 0.1 cubic feet per minute. The optical barrier complex inhibits laser light from illuminating turbulent eddy currents originating on the interior walls of the inlet jet. The optical barrier complex includes one or more physical apertures, one or more optical stops, or both which are located to prevent laser light from illuminating the eddy currents.