Instrument and Sensor Development

AeroPhotonix is developing next-generation optical sensing platforms designed for ground-based, airborne, and space-relevant applications. Our systems integrate advanced photonics, polarization-resolved scattering, AI-driven inversion algorithms, and compact field-deployable architectures. 

Products in Development:

1. Polar Nephelometer System (Ground, Aircraft, and Balloon-Based Research Platforms)

A wide-angle, polarization-resolved elastic light-scattering instrument designed to measure full aerosol phase functions (0.3°–179° range), depolarization ratios, and angular scattering signatures.

Key Capabilities:

• Multi-angle phase function measurement

• Linear depolarization ratio (LDR) retrieval

• Degree of linear polarization (DoLP) analysis

• Source differentiation (dust, soot, droplets, bioaerosols)

• Real-time inversion for particle size and morphology

Deployment Platforms:

• Ground-based air quality monitoring stations

• Research aircraft payload integration

• High-altitude balloon missions for vertical profiling

Application Areas:

• Climate radiative forcing studies

• Remote sensing validation (satellite calibration)

• Mineral dust characterization

• Soot morphology and mixing state analysis

2. Bioaerosol Detection Sensor

A multi-modal optical sensor combining elastic scattering, polarization signatures, and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to detect and classify biological particles in real time.

Key Features:

• Fluorescence-based biological discrimination

• AI-enabled classification algorithms

• Real-time pathogen risk detection

• Compact field-deployable architecture

Applications:

• Public health monitoring

• Hospital air quality

• Biosecurity and defense

• Agricultural pathogen detection

3. Forward-Scattering (diffraction) PM Sensor (Smart PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and > PM10 Particle Monitoring Platform)

A compact, cost-efficient optical sensor using forward-angle scattering with advanced signal processing to retrieve particle size distribution and mass concentration.

Key Capabilities:

• Real-time PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and Coarese mode size particle measurement

• AI-enhanced calibration and drift correction

• Low-power embedded system

• Edge-computing enabled

Target Markets:

• Urban air quality networks

• Industrial compliance monitoring

• Smart city infrastructure

• Personal exposure monitoring

4. Universal Particle Dispersion System (Submicron to Ultramicron Size Range)

A laboratory-grade aerosol generation and dispersion platform capable of producing stable particle streams across a wide size range for instrument calibration and optical testing.

Capabilities:

• Controlled dispersion from submicron to ultramicron particles

• Compatible with soot, dust, droplets, bioaerosols

• Adjustable concentration and flow control

• Designed for optical instrument validation

Applications:

• Sensor calibration

• Optical system testing

• Research and development laboratories

• Aerospace payload validation