Articles | Volume 19, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-323-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-323-2026
Research article
 | 
16 Jan 2026
Research article |  | 16 Jan 2026

A universal aerosol composition analysis method for optical tweezers measurement and its application to determine hygroscopic growth factor of single-particle aerosol

Chengyi Fan and Chunsheng Zhao

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Cited articles

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Short summary
Aerosols change their size and optical properties with humidity, influencing clouds and climate. Traditional instruments only capture the average behavior of many particles, missing how individual ones grow. We developed a precise optical method that traps and measures single particles as humidity varies, accurately determining their dry size and water uptake. This versatile approach applies to diverse particle types and enhances understanding of their roles in air quality and climate systems.
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