Detection and Chemical Characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon aerosols by means of laser‐induced fluorescence

Laser‐induced and time‐resolved aerosol fluorescence is introduced as an analytical technique for the qualitative and quantitative determination of surface‐bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analytical figures of merit are evaluated by studying the fluorescent properties (emission wavelengths and temporal behavior) of PAHs adsorbed on submicrometer NaCl particles. In addition to singly adsorbed PAHs on NaCl particles, a three‐component PAH adsorbate system is characterized. Detection limits are in the range 5 ng/m³ (e. g. for anthanthrene).