4.0 Comparative Framework for Method Selection
Selecting the optimal analysis method requires a clear understanding of how the techniques compare across critical operational parameters, including their underlying principles, the specific diameter they measure, and their effective size range. The following table provides a consolidated framework to guide the decision-making process by directly comparing the primary methodologies evaluated in this review.
| Methodology | Underlying Principle | Measured Diameter | Approx. Size Range (µm) | Primary Application / Detection |
| Light Scattering | Mie Scattering Theory | Equivalent Light Scattering | > 0.1 | Real-time number concentration |
| Impactor | Inertial Impaction | Aerodynamic Diameter | > 0.5 | Mass-based size distribution |
| Electrical Mobility Analyzer | Electrical Mobility in an E-field | Electrical Mobility Equivalent | 0.002–0.5 | Number/current of fine & ultrafine particles |
This comparative view makes it clear that the choice of instrument is not arbitrary but rather a strategic decision that ultimately depends on the specific research or monitoring objectives.