Measurement of representative aerosol parameters is considerably complicated by the large difference in density between the aerosol particles and the carrier gas air, so that utmost care has to be taken during sampling to maintain representativity. Moreover, the measurement techniques and sampling systems must be able to deal with particles between few nanometers and hundreds of micrometers. Furthermore atmospheric particle concentration gradients of eight orders of magnitude have to be mastered. In addition instruments need to be suitable for variable, at times harsh environmental conditions (e. g., desert, stratosphere, marine).

Our focus is centered on the developments of sampling systems and the construction of samplers, which allow for a subsequent individual particle analysis, for example with electron microscopy. Regarding electron microscopy techniques, currently the determination of particle shapes and structures with as high as possible accuracy is of interest, in particular with respect to the optical modeling; also, automated measurement of particle hygroscopicity of the larger aerosol particles is an ongoing topic.