Pioneering Nanoparticle Detection: Jülich and TSI Pioneer Cutting-Edge Measurement Technology
Jülich, Germany – April 10, 2025
A Game-Changer for Air Quality Monitoring in Urban Environments, Cleanrooms, and Industry
Researchers at the Institute for Climate and Energy Systems (ICE-3) at Forschungszentrum Jülich have partnered with global precision measurement specialist TSI Incorporated to develop an innovative system for detecting airborne nanoparticles, known as ultrafine aerosols. This innovative device is designed to provide fast, accurate, and cost-effective air quality monitoring, particularly in critical environments such as semiconductor cleanrooms and industrial workplaces.
Nanoparticles—tiny clusters of atoms or molecules— often go undetected by the human eye but can significantly affect human health and high-precision manufacturing. Some pose health risks when inhaled, while others can interfere with delicate manufacturing processes. In cleanrooms, even the smallest airborne particles can compromise precision production. Reliable monitoring is essential to mitigate risks and maintain strict air quality standards.
From Aviation to Industry: A Versatile Solution
Originally developed to meet the needs of aviation-based climate research—specifically the search for a safe, non-toxic alternative to conventional working fluids in condensation particle counters—the system now offers broad application potential. It draws on insights gained through the European research initiative IAGOS (In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System), which equips commercial aircraft with scientific instruments to collect climate-relevant data, further highlighting the far-reaching impact of this technology.
Innovative Approach: Enlarging Particles for Optical Sensing
The heart of the innovation lies in the combination of TSI’s advanced optical technologies with Jülich’s patented particle enlargement method. In this approach, a specially designed substance adheres to nanoparticles, increasing their size so they can be detected optically—even in challenging conditions like low-pressure environments or ultra-clean production spaces. Unlike conventional systems, the new method operates without toxic or flammable working fluids, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative for applications such as filter testing, emissions analysis, and environmental monitoring.
The project is supported by Forschungszentrum Jülich’s internal Innovation Fund, which promotes the transfer of research breakthroughs into practical solutions.
TSI Incorporated: Decades of Expertise in Measurement Technology
Based in Shoreview, Minnesota, with a major European office in Aachen, Germany, TSI Incorporated has been at the forefront of air quality and aerosol measurement for more than 60 years and operates on a global scale. The company develops and manufactures state-of-the-art solutions for environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and research applications worldwide.
IAGOS: Global Atmospheric Insights from Commercial Aircraft
IAGOS (In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System) is a European research initiative that uses commercial aircraft to monitor the composition of the atmosphere on a global scale. The project is coordinated by researchers from ICE-3 at Forschungszentrum Jülich and CNRS in France. For over 30 years, they have been developing innovative measurement instruments and collecting valuable atmospheric data—crucial insights that help advance climate research worldwide.
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Research Group Global Monitoring
IAGOS - Monitoring for Climate Change
Contacts
Prof. Dr. Andreas Petzold
Leading Scientist Head of department "Global Observation"
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE)
- Troposphere (ICE-3)
Building 05.2 /
Room 3048
Room 3048
+49 2461/61-5795
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Last Modified: 29.04.2025