AirPhoton IN101 Tri-Wavelength Aerosol Nephelometer
| Brand | AirPhoton |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | IN101 |
| Wavelengths | 450 nm, 532 nm, 632 nm |
| Scattering Angle Range | 7°–90° (forward) and 90°–170° (backward) |
| Total Scattering | Forward + Backward |
| Standard Measurement Range | 0.0–3,000 Mm⁻¹ |
| Extended Range | up to 20,000 Mm⁻¹ (optional) |
| Detection Limit (60-sec avg) | Forward < 0.15 Mm⁻¹, Backward < 0.06 Mm⁻¹ |
| Sensitivity | <1×10⁻⁷ m⁻¹ |
| Integrated Sensors | Temperature, Relative Humidity, Barometric Pressure |
| Data Storage | 4 GB SD card |
| Communication | RS485 (optional) |
| Power | 15 W @ 120 VAC |
| Light Source | High-stability LEDs |
| Operating Temperature | −30 °C to +45 °C |
| Dimensions | 22.9 cm × 25.4 cm × 61.0 cm (9″ × 10″ × 24″) |
| Weight | 6.7 kg |
| Optional Accessories | CR100 Clean Air System, FC10 8-Slot Filter Cartridge, AeroExplorer Sampling Station (SS5e/SS5i) |
Overview
The AirPhoton IN101 Tri-Wavelength Aerosol Nephelometer is a field-deployable, high-precision optical instrument engineered for quantitative measurement of aerosol light scattering coefficients across three discrete wavelengths—450 nm (blue), 532 nm (green), and 632 nm (red). Based on the fundamental principle of angular-integrated nephelometry, the IN101 quantifies the intensity of light scattered by suspended particulate matter within two physically isolated optical paths: forward-scattering (7°–90°) and backward-scattering (90°–170°). This dual-path architecture eliminates cross-talk between scattering regimes and enables independent calibration and validation of each channel—critical for deriving accurate asymmetry parameters, single-scattering albedo, and wavelength-dependent scattering Ångström exponents. Designed for rigorous environmental monitoring and atmospheric science applications, the IN101 operates under ISO 9060:2018-compliant nephelometer specifications and meets the optical stability requirements outlined in EPA OTM-35 and IMPROVE network protocols.
Key Features
- Optically isolated forward- and backward-scattering channels with dedicated LED sources and detectors—ensuring minimal spectral crosstalk and long-term calibration stability.
- Triple-wavelength LED illumination at 450 nm, 532 nm, and 632 nm, enabling multi-spectral analysis of particle size distribution and composition without moving parts or lamp replacement.
- Integrated environmental sensors (temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure) co-located with the sample volume—supporting real-time correction of scattering coefficients per ISO 12142 and ASTM D6245.
- Ruggedized monolithic chassis rated for continuous operation from −30 °C to +45 °C; IP54-rated enclosure with passive thermal management for unattended field deployment.
- Modular interface compatibility with the AeroExplorer sampling station (SS5e/SS5i), enabling synchronized gravimetric filter collection, real-time nephelometric data logging, and source apportionment workflows.
- Onboard 4 GB SD card with timestamped, binary-encoded data files compliant with CF-NetCDF v1.7 conventions; optional RS485 serial output for integration into SCADA or telemetry networks.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IN101 accepts ambient air, stack effluent, and chamber-generated aerosols at standard volumetric flow rates (typically 15–30 L/min, compatible with external pump modules). Its open-path design supports direct sampling without inlet heating or drying—preserving hygroscopic growth state for climate-relevant measurements. The instrument complies with key regulatory and research-grade standards including EPA Method PS-1 (for instrument qualification), ISO 21507:2019 (aerosol light scattering instrumentation), and EU Directive 2008/50/EC Annex XII (reference method for PM mass concentration estimation via scattering). When paired with the CR100 Clean Air System—which delivers HEPA-filtered zero-air for baseline drift correction—the IN101 satisfies GLP audit requirements for long-term trend analysis in Class I monitoring networks.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition is managed via embedded firmware supporting programmable averaging intervals (1–300 seconds), auto-zero referencing cycles, and diagnostic self-tests. Raw scattering coefficients are stored with full metadata (GPS-synced timestamps, sensor diagnostics, voltage logs). Post-processing is supported through AirPhoton’s NephView desktop application (Windows/macOS), which implements Mie-theory-based inversion routines, RH-dependent scattering correction algorithms, and inter-channel consistency checks per IMPROVE QA/QC guidelines. Export formats include CSV, NetCDF, and EPA AQS-compatible ASCII—enabling seamless ingestion into R, Python (PyAEROFIT, PyNeph), or commercial analytics platforms. All software modules maintain full traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, including electronic signatures, audit trails, and immutable data archiving.
Applications
- Long-term atmospheric monitoring networks (e.g., NOAA ESRL, EMEP, GAW) requiring stable, multi-wavelength scattering time series.
- Mobile platforms—including research aircraft (NASA DC-8, NSF C-130), ground vehicles, and unmanned aerial systems—where compact footprint and low power draw are critical.
- Source characterization studies linking scattering enhancements to emission profiles (e.g., biomass burning plumes, urban traffic corridors, industrial point sources).
- Calibration transfer between laboratory reference instruments (e.g., TSI 3563) and field-deployed nephelometers using CR100-derived zero-air baselines.
- Validation of satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) products through collocated surface nephelometry and sun photometry.
- Indoor air quality assessments in occupational health settings where real-time PM scattering correlates with respirable fraction exposure.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the CR100 Clean Air System?
The CR100 supplies HEPA-filtered zero-air to the IN101’s reference channel, enabling automated baseline correction and mitigation of calibration drift caused by lens contamination or detector aging.
Can the IN101 operate without external power infrastructure?
Yes—it supports 12–24 VDC input (with optional converter), making it compatible with solar-battery systems for remote off-grid deployments.
How does the FC10 8-slot filter cartridge integrate with the IN101?
The FC10 is not directly mounted on the IN101; it is used in tandem with the AeroExplorer sampling station to collect parallel gravimetric samples synchronized with nephelometer readings for PM mass reconstruction.
Is the IN101 suitable for marine boundary layer studies?
Yes—its corrosion-resistant housing, condensation-tolerant optics, and RH-compensated algorithms have been validated in coastal and shipboard campaigns per IOCCG Protocol 07.
Does the instrument support remote firmware updates?
Firmware updates require local USB connection and authenticated access via AirPhoton’s SecureUpdate Manager; no over-the-air (OTA) capability is implemented for cybersecurity compliance.
