Articles | Volume 18, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-5717-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-5717-2025
Research article
 | 
22 Oct 2025
Research article |  | 22 Oct 2025

Design and performance of the Cluster Ion Counter (CIC)

Sander Mirme, Rima Balbaaki, Hanna Elina Manninen, Paap Koemets, Eva Sommer, Birte Rörup, Yusheng Wu, Joao Almeida, Sebastian Ehrhart, Stefan Karl Weber, Joschka Pfeifer, Juha Kangasluoma, Markku Kulmala, and Jasper Kirkby

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Cited articles

Aplin, K. L. and Harrison, R. G.: A computer-controlled Gerdien atmospheric ion counter, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 71, 3037–3041, https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1305511, 2000. a
Carslaw, K. S., Harrison, R. G., and Kirkby, J.: Cosmic rays, clouds, and climate, Science, 298, 1732–1737, 2002. a
Ebert, H.: Aspirationsapparat zur Bestimmung des ionen gehaltes der Atmosphäre, Phys. Z., 2, 662–664, 1901. a
Fernández de la Mora, J., de Juan, L., Liedtke, K., and Schmidt-Ott, A.: Mass and size determination of nanometer particles by means of mobility analysis and focused impaction, J. Aerosol Sci., 34, 79–98, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-8502(02)00121-0, 2003. a
Flagan, R. C.: History of Electrical Aerosol Measurements, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 28, 301–380, 1998. a, b
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Short summary
The Cluster Ion Counter (CIC, Airel OÜ) is a novel instrument that simultaneously measures positive and negative ion concentrations below 5 nm. It provides high detection efficiency, low noise, a rapid time response, and excellent reliability, confirmed in lab experiments and at the CERN CLOUD chamber. Its design enables precise, robust long-term measurements, facilitating versatile applications in diverse environments, from laboratory settings to field and potential airborne research.
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