Abstract: The present invention is a method for detecting, sizing or otherwise analyzing aerosol particles wherein a beam of radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) interacts with one or more particles in a beam of particles that are traveling in a colinear fashion with the beam of radiation. When the beam of radiation interacts with a particle in the beam of particles, it causes that particle to emit either mass or energy. That mass or energy is then detected by one or more detectors or sensors which provide data that permit the particle to be detected, sized or otherwise analyzed (e.g., the chemical composition of the particle can be determined). The present invention also includes instruments that use the above-described method.

Abstract: An aerodynamic nozzle for aerosol particle beam formation into a vacuum comprises a tubular column having a first stage section with a plurality of spaced aerodynamic lenses therein so that an aerosol entering the inlet end of the first stage section is formed into a beam of generally aligned particles. The beam exits the first stage section through an outlet orifice into a second stage section also having a plurality of spaced aerodynamic lenses to maintain the aerosol in its beam form. The beam then exists through a nozzle to an orifice at the discharge end of the second stage section into an evacuated region. The pressure decreases from the first stage (which is preferably at atmospheric pressure) to the second stage to the evacuated region.