Spectroscopic sorting of aerosols by a compact sensor employing UV LEDs

A compact sensor for physically sorting bioaerosols based on fluorescence spectra from single particles excited using arrays of ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) is presented. The optical system integrates electronics for real-time processing of spectral data and a miniaturized aerodynamic deflector for particle separation. Fluorescent polystyrene latex spheres are used to demonstrate fluorescence collection on-the-fly, operation of a real-time spectral algorithm, and physical separation of individual particles. This sensor illustrates the utility of recently developed UV LEDs, in conjunction with novel optical design and custom electronics, to shrink the size of aerosol fluorescence detection systems.