DATA YOU CAN TRUST
EASY TO USE
COMPREHENSIVE DATA
LIGHT-WEIGHT & PORTABLE
LIGHT-WEIGHT DESIGN
DUALSPOT PATENTED TECHNOLOGY
REAL-TIME SOURCE APPORTIONMENT
ADVANCED UI FOR REAL-TIME DATA CHARTING
EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY FOR OFF-GRID MONITORING
RUGGED AND RELIABLE
Aethalometer measurement principle is based upon the absorption of light by the aerosol sample, while continuously collecting on a filter. The filter tape advances automatically when a pre-set loading limit is reached, permitting the instrument to operate without attention. Depending on aerosol concentration levels, each roll of filter tape will last from one to several months of operation. Sample collection and analysis is performed on two filter spots simultaneously at different flow rates. Mathematical analysis of the patented DUALSPOT of the data eliminates the Filter Loading Effect and provides continuously-compensated data in real time. Analysis is performed at seven optical wavelengths from the UV (370 nm) to the IR (950 nm). The spectral behavior of optical absorption by diesel exhaust emissions is different from that of smoke from biomass burning. Analysis of the spectral patterns from the 7-wavelength data allows for a real-time separation of traffic and biomass emissions. This allows for a speciation of the aerosol sources and a determination of their origins. Light-weight design with external 12 V power supply (available optionally) for portability offers operation up to 15 hours. Additionally, we offer a lightweight, waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof transit case for field transportation. Optional external battery pack enables off-grid monitoring applications, i.e. mobile and stationary monitoring, vertical profiling, vehicle and engine emissions, pollution mapping and identification, Public Health Effect studies…
COMPACT DESIGN, MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY
The AE43 is engineered with portability in mind – significantly smaller and lighter. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport, install, and operate in a wide range of environments, from urban roadside stations to remote field sites. Whether mounted in a vehicle, carried by hand, or deployed in temporary setups, the AE43 enables flexible black carbon monitoring without sacrificing data quality.
For flexible operation in remote locations, the AE43 supports an optional external 12 V power supply, enabling up to 15 hours of continuous use. In addition, the instrument can be powered via a standard AC adapter (100-240 VAC auto-switching) or an external DC source such as a vehicle battery or solar PV system, making it ideal for both stationary and mobile deployments.
The AE43 features a 10.1” full-color touchscreen that provides both basic controls and advanced data access. Users can easily navigate through detailed reporting screens and configure measurement parameters directly on the device. Real-time graphical charts display key metrics such as black carbon concentrations across all wavelengths and biomass burning percentage (BB%), enabling instant insight and monitoring. When paired with the Wind Sensor, the AE43 also offers advanced pollution rose visualizations, helping users correlate black carbon levels with wind direction for enhanced source identification.
PATENTED AUTOMATIC COMPENSATION FOR FILTER LOADING EFFECT
Sample collection and analysis is performed on two filter spots simultaneously at different flow rates. Mathematical combination of the data eliminates the filter loading effect and provides continuously corrected data in real time with no discontinuities at filter advances.
This compensation depends critically on the aerosol composition and properties. It must be determined in real time from the measurement data, as it cannot be predicted in advance.
The parameters derived from this analysis also offer additional insights into aerosol composition and aging.
UV-IR, 1Hz DATA
The analysis is performed at 7 optical wavelengths spanning from the near-infrared (950 nm) to the near-ultraviolet (370 nm). The sequencing of illumination and analysis is performed on a 1-Hz timebase. This yields the complete spectrum of aerosol optical absorption with one data line every second.
An Ångström Exponent model is used in real-time to calculate the fraction of BC that may be attributed to biomass combustion.
The AE43 analyzes the sample at 7 optical wavelengths from the ultraviolet (370 nm) to the near-infrared (950 nm). Optical absorption by different aerosol components have different variations across the spectrum: most notably, the differences between diesel exhaust and emissions from biomass burning. The 7-wavelength data allows for a separation of these components, providing a real-time speciation of the aerosol sources and a determination of their origins.
The Aethalometer source apportionment algorithm uses filter loading compensated data (DualSpot) considering different loading effect across the spectrum, resulting in true and accurate real-time source apportionment.
Refined over 40 years, the Aethalometer is designed for rugged, reliable, and fully automatic operation. The AE43 continues this legacy with intelligent power management: it automatically resumes operation after power interruptions when connected to an AC power source. For remote deployments, it can run independently for up to 15 hours using an optional external 12 V DC power supply, ensuring uninterrupted data collection even in challenging environments.
7-WAVELENGTH OPERATION
370, 470, 520, 570, 630, 880, 950 nm characterization of light-absorbing aerosols.
TIME BASE
1 second or 1 minute, post-processing to any time resolution
SENSITIVITY
Proportional to time base and sample flow rate settings: approximately 0.03 μg/m3 @ 1 min, 5 LPM.
DETECTION
Detection Limit (1 hour): <0.005 μg/m3 black carbon
Range: <0.01 to >100 μg/m3
Resolution: 0.001 μg/m3 or 1 ng/m3
DUALSPOT TECHNOLOGY
Simultaneous analysis of light absorption by aerosol deposits collected on 2 spots in parallel at different loading rates. Mathematical combination of data yields black carbon result independent of spot loading effects and provides additional information about aerosol composition.
SOURCE APPORTIONMENT
Discrimination of black carbon from fossil fuel versus biomass combustion is possible with built-in analysis by a two-component model.
Aerosol sample collected on filter tape consisting of coated glass fibers, supported by a reinforcement backing. Tape advances automatically when the user-selectable loading threshold is reached, typically once every few hours, depending on concentration and flow rate. Size-selective inlets (impactor, cyclone) may be attached.
Automatic or manual sample flowrate calibration using an externally-attached calibrator. Verification of optical performance using a set of neutral density optical filters. Automatic or manual Dynamic Active Zero and stability tests may be programmed to occur at specified time intervals.
DISPLAY
10.1” color touch-screen (1280 x 800 px)
LED status indicators: Red, Yellow, Green.
INTERFACE
REMOTE MANAGEMENT
Network ready for remote management and data transfer.
DATA OUTPUT
STORAGE
Data are written to internal memory once every time base period. Stored data may be transferred over a network or to a manually inserted USB drive.
Battery Lithium, LiFePo4 chemistry
Weight: 5.4 kg (in chassis with LED indicators)
Run time @ 2 LPM flow rate: up to 15h
AEccessor remote access from PC
FP-25 Calibrator kit for Air Quality Monitoring needs. Portable mass flow standard that calibrates temperature, pressure, and flow for a variety of air samplers. NIST traceable readings with high accuracy for EPA reporting. Bluetooth and customized app makes remote calibration from your phone possible. Built in relative humidity sensor for even more accurate readings.
The BGI ‘TetraCal’ is a simple-to-use, NIST-traceable Standard for volumetric airflow, barometric pressure, and ambient temperature. The TetraCal is a venturi-based system with built-in compensation for changes in ambient temperature and pressure. The TetraCal may be directly connected to the Aethalometer model AE43 for both air flow and data transmission: and used in automatic software routines for flow calibration of the AE43.
External power supply (rechargeable LiFePO4 battery): operates AE43 instrument for approx 15 hours of run time. LED display of remaining capacity and power status is also shown on the AE43 display.
Our new family of Weather station sensors for measurements of Air temperature, Pressure, Relative/Absolute humidity, Wind speed, and Wind direction consists of:
1. The GMX300 Ambient Meteorological Sensor is a combined instrument mounted inside three doubled louvered, naturally aspirated radiation shields with no moving parts. It measures air temperature, humidity, and pressure.
2.The GMX200 is a Wind speed and direction ultrasonic sensor, and with an addition of an electronic compass, it provides apparent wind measurements.
3.The GMX500 is a compact weather station (with temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction sensors).
For more information, please refer to the below brochure:
Pelican transit cases are perfectly suitable for situations where the Aethalometer must be shipped or transported from one to another monitoring location. These provide internal padding, a sturdy waterproof exterior, and an integrated retractable handle and roller wheels.
The air pump inside the Magee Scientific Aethalometer can supply a constant sample flow rate of 5 LMP up to approx. 3000 m above sea level (a.s.l.), when the sample flow rate (reported at standard conditions) will slowly decrease. To extend the operating range of the Magee Scientific Aethalometer up to 5000 m a.s.l. your
Aethalometer can now be connected to an external HA air pump.
Drying the aerosol sample stream is highly recommended to provide accurate measurement data and protect the water condensation equipment.
In hot, humid locations, the water vapor content of the ambient sample air may be considerable. This can lead to inaccuracies in the BC measurement – but, more seriously, there is the possibility of water condensation inside the instrument, which can lead to permanent damage. This issue is solved by the use of our Sample Stream Dryer.
The interaction of water with aerosol species changes their physical properties. Consequently, the World Meteorological Organization has recommended that all aerosol measurements should be performed under conditions where the Relative Humidity is 40% or lower (WMO/GAW 2003; Wiedensohler, 2014).
Many stations in hot, humid locations have air-conditioned interiors. If the indoor air-conditioning temperature Ta is comparable to or lower than the dewpoint (condensation temperature) Td of the outside ambient air, water will condense in the tubing and inside the instrument. This will not only completely invalidate the data but can also cause permanent damage to the instrument.
The Aerosol Magee Scientific Sample Stream Dryer removes water vapor from the inlet flow using a semi-permeable Nafion membrane. This membrane selectively absorbs water vapor molecules from the air stream and passes them to a space on the other side of the membrane, maintained at low absolute pressure using a vacuum pump.
The Sample Stream Dryer can reduce the dew point temperature by up to 14 degrees Celsius at a flow rate of 5 LPM. The equipment is self-contained, automatic, and includes a display screen that shows the input and output hygrometric properties. A data cable can connect to the Aethalometer to incorporate the temperature and humidity data into the Aethalometer’s data files.
The Sample Stream Dryer can remove water vapor from the inlet stream to any aerosol instrument, not just the Aethalometer.
The Neutral Density Optical Filter Kit provides validation of the reproducibility of the photometric detectors.
The optical performance of the Aethalometer® may be validated in the field by the ‘Neutral Density Optical Filter Kit’, consisting of glass inserts made of stable and broad-spectrum absorbing materials, with well-defined optical transmittance. Software routines measure the optical intensities at all wavelengths and compare the analysis during the test with the original reference values. This validates the reproducibility of the Aethalometer’s fundamental measurement of optical Attenuation.
The Magee Scientific Aethalometer Model AE43 collects its samples on a proprietary filter tape made of glass fibers coated with PTFE/PET and supported on a mechanical backing for transport in the instrument. When the spot reaches a pre-set loading density, the tape is advanced to create a new spot. Each roll of tape is 10 m. in length and will last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the average concentration of BC in the sampled atmosphere and the chosen operational flow rate.
Ambient atmospheres include suspended particles of a large aerodynamic size such as pollen, dust, etc. These particles are not strongly optically absorbing and therefore do not interfere with the Aethalometer® analysis; however, a deposit of dust in the internal optics will degrade performance after lengthy use. To exclude large particles and provide analysis of a known respirable size fraction, we recommend using size-selective inlets designed to exclude particles of aerodynamic size greater than a specified cut point at a specified sample air flow rate. We offer the ‘Sharp-Cut Cyclones’ designed by BGI (USA) and now manufactured by Mesa Labs (USA). These inlets are usually attached directly to the sample inlet tube at the entry point but may also be installed in-line closer to the Aethalometer®.
PM2.5 Inlet
BGI model SCC-1.828. Provides a cut point of 2.5µm at a sample flow rate of 5 LPM.
PM1/2.5 Inlet
BGI model SCC-1.197. Provides a cut point of 2.5µm at a sample flow rate of 2 LPM or 1µm at a sample flow rate of 5 LPM.
PM1 Inlet
BGI model SCC-0.732. Provides a cut point of 1µm at a sample flow rate of 2 LPM.
BGI ‘Mini-PM’ Inlet Kit
The BGI ‘Mini-PM’ Inlet Kit offers impaction jet inserts to provide size-selective capabilities of TSP, PM-10, PM-4, PM-2.5, and PM-1 when operated at a flow rate of 5 LPM.
Aethalometer is supplied with a set of standard accessories designed to ensure quick and easy setup, allowing you to start measurements without delay. We also offer a range of optional accessories and related products that enhance the instrument’s functionality and adaptability to different measurement applications. These optional accessories may include:
Please also check the specific Aethalometer page to learn more about accessories and related products or simply contact our support.
Bonus tip: To upgrade the measurement from black carbon to the complete carbonaceous aerosol fingerprint, add Total Carbon Analyzer to get Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System, CASS.
Aethalometers are supplied with a 3-meter-long Static dissipative inlet tube. We recommend using a tube of less than 10 meters to prevent excessive particle loss and pump load.
The choice of size-selective inlet for the Aethalometer depends on the application and should match the inlets used with other instruments. For Aethalometer measurements of black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC), a PM2.5 size-selective inlet is generally recommended to ensure accurate results. This cut-off excludes coarse particles (>2.5 µm) that could confound readings, as BC and BrC primarily originate from fine combustion particles.
Filter tape consumption depends on black carbon concentration levels, type of sources (solid or liquid fuels; traffic or biomass burning) and sample flow. Below is a table of typical scenarios that can be used as a guide.
| Flow (LPM) | BC conc.* | Est. life of filter tape (months) ** |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1.000 | 3 – 6 |
| 5 | 3.000 | 1 – 2 |
| 2 | 5.000 | 1,5 – 3 |
* Average urban black carbon concentrations are generally below 1 µg/m³ in backgrounds in Europe and the US, around 1.5 to 5 µg/m³ in many urban areas, with peaks higher in traffic hotspots. In heavily polluted cities, levels can be five or ten times higher than in Western cities, often exceeding 5 µg/m³ in traffic zones. Concentration levels higher than 20 µg/m³ are not that uncommon, unfortunately.
** Estimated life of a 10-meter filter tape roll in months; it is longer in traffic-dominated areas compared to areas where biomass burning is the dominant source of pollution.
Aethalometer requires only flow to be calibrated. To do flow calibration the Flow Calibration Pad is needed (supplied as a standard accessory) and an external flow meter (not supplied). The procedure is simple: on the Aethalometer screen, select Quality Assurance, Quality Control, press Flow Calibration, and the Aethalometer will guide you through the complete procedure. For more details, consult the user manual or Aerosol Magee Scientific YouTube channel.
The frequency of flow calibrations and other QA/QC procedures depends on each institution’s Standard Operating Procedures. We recommend performing flow verification twice a year and flow calibration if needed.
All that is needed is a filter tape (roll) and a cartridge filter. For the uninterrupted one-year operation, we recommend purchasing 3-4 filter tape rolls and 1 cartridge filter, which should be enough for most applications.
No need to worry. More FAQs can also be found on Aethalometer page or simply contact our support.
Aerosol d.o.o.
Kamniška 39A
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia, Europe
+386 1 4391 700
Aerosol USA Corp.
10157 SW Barbur Blvd Suite 100C
Portland, OR 97219 USA
+1 510 646 1600