Obtain a complete Carbonaceous Aerosol Fingerprint with our patented CASS method

Carbonaceous aerosols (CA) are among the most complex and impactful components of particulate matter (PM2.5). They affect human health, our climate, and air visibility, yet most instruments only measure a limited subset of carbonaceous aerosols. This leaves us with a gap in fully understanding them and their components.

To solve this problem, Aerosol Magee Scientific developed and patented a Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System (CASS) method that allows its users to obtain a complete, real-time picture of all major CA components.

How it works

CASS is a combination of two instruments:

Total Carbon Analyzer (or TCA08, abbreviated)  
Aethalometer

Using the patented dual-channel thermal method, the Total Carbon Analyzer quantifies Total Carbon (TC) and carbon from Volatile organic compounds (C_voc) while the Aethalometer measures Black Carbon (BC) and Brown Carbon (BrC) based on how they absorb light using a multi-wavelength optical analysis.

The innovation lies in our patented method, which integrates these measurements using advanced mathematical algorithms to calculate a full speciation profile, called Carbonaceous Aerosol Fingerprint.

The Carbonaceous Aerosol Fingerprint includes both measured and derived components.

Measured: TC, BC, BrC, BC_ff, BC_bb, C_voc
Derived: OC, OA, POA, SOA, OA_non-abs, and more, all expressed in mass concentration units (ng/m³).

The Carbonaceous Aerosol Fingerprint provides a detailed chemical breakdown of all major carbonaceous aerosol components, and can be updated as fast as every 20 minutes. This high time resolution, combined with the instrument’s continuous operation and zero downtime, ensures uninterrupted flow of data with no gaps.

Why it matters

Enhanced Accuracy: Dual-method approach plus mathematical modelling reduces uncertainty and provides a complete chemical picture.
Reliability: Robust design for field deployment, continuous sampling, and automated data fusion.
Actionable Insights: It enables real-time source attribution (source apportionment) – such as distinguishing fossil fuel emissions from biomass burning – supporting timely and informed decisions for air quality management and research.

The patented CASS method translates fragmented data into clear, actionable information – supporting evidence-based decisions in environmental policy, health studies, and climate modelling.

CASS
Consult the CASS product page to explore and understand the CASS method in even more detail and how it works to offer a more complete view of carbonaceous aerosols.

Patent
Take a closer look at the patented technology behind CASS and what makes it different from conventional methods.

GOOD DATA. GOOD SCIENCE. GOOD POLICY.