Abstract

A prototype system was constructed to determine the total carbon content of ambient aerosols trapped on quartz fiber filters. The measurement technique is based on carbon combustion to CO₂, cryogenic preconcentration, and subsequent photoacoustic monitoring of produced CO₂. A common sample set was independently analyzed by two established combustion method instruments and the photoacoustic system. Statistical comparison of data showed good agreement with accepted carbon values indicating feasibility for photoacoustic application to routine carbon analysis.

© 1982 Optical Society of America

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