Aerosol Generation by Spark Discharge*

An aerosol generator producing particles of any desired mobility, equivalent radius, and conducting material has been developed. Particles are formed by electrode atomization in a spark discharge. A high yield of charged particles enables generation of high concentration (> 10’ cmm3) monodisperse aerosols using electrostatic classification. In order to obtain nonagglomerated particles, the aerosol can be turbulently diluted at the region of particle formation by gas injection through a nozzle. Charged Au particles in the atomic cluster size range (1.3 nm) have been produced in a concentration of 3 x 10’ cmm3. [Published in J. Aerosol Science, Vol. 19, No. 5, pp. 639-642 (1988)] *Work supported by the Department of Energy, contract DE-AC03-76SF00515.