CPC

The condensation particle counter (CPC) measures submicron aerosol particle number concentration by condensing fluid onto particles and causing them to grow to sizes that are easily detectable by optical scattering. The condensing liquid is typically an alcohol (e.g., butanol) or water.

Depending on the CPC type, typical CPC instruments can count particles with sizes that range from 3 to 3,000 nanometers (ultrafine CPC aka CPCu) or from 10 to 3,000 nanometers (fine CPC aka CPCf). The CPC is part of the Aerosol Observing System (AOS).

• Aerosol concentration