Abstract: Provided are particle analyzers and related methods for verifying calibration status of the particle analyzer, including independently of the presence or absence of particles. The method and analyzers include use of distinct and non-interfering time frequency domains: a middle frequency time domain and a low frequency time domain, and optionally a high frequency time domain. The high frequency time domain generates a laser facet drive current frequency modulation to prevent the laser facet from spatial-mode hopping. The middle frequency time domain is for particle detection. The low frequency time domain is for calibration status, including laser-pulse-light self-diagnostics, for the health or calibration status of the analyzer. By carefully selecting the frequency time domain ranges, there is non-interference, with the ability to self-diagnose the instrument that is particle-independent.

Abstract: Provided are particle analyzers and related methods for verifying calibration status of the particle analyzer. The method includes the steps of providing an optical particle analyzer and modulating a power applied to a source of EMR. The method includes the steps of, in response to the modulating step, inducing a detector signal waveform and analyzing the detector signal waveform to determine a value of at least one diagnostic parameter associated with one or more of the source of EMR, an optical assembly, a chamber, a detector, and an optical collection system of the optical particle analyzer. The method includes the step of determining a calibration status of the optical particle analyzer based on the one or more determined values of the at least one diagnostic parameter.