Can vibrational sum frequency scattering spectra be measured from the surface of 40-100 nm aerosols in a cloud containing 10$^{6}$ particles/mL?

Abstract

Understanding the interfacial properties of aerosol particles is important for science and medicine, crucial for air quality, human health, and environmental chemistry. Qian et al. presented vibrational sum frequency scattering (SFS) measurements of organic molecules on aerosol particles.$^{1}$ Relating an aerosol sample with a 40 nm average size and 10 - 300 nm particle size distribution at a density of 10$^{6}$ particle/mL to vibrational sum frequency scattering spectra recorded in a different apparatus, it was concluded that the vibrational spectra reported on the surface structure of the particles in the aerosol. Here, we show that the SF scattering power of such small particles with a density of 10$^{6}$ particle/mL is $\sim$ 10$^{7}$ smaller than the detection limit of the presented SFS experiment. We determine the detectable number density of particles, both theoretically and experimentally, to demonstrate the limits of the SFS method. We also propose possible reasons for the 10$^{7}$ order of magnitude discrepancy.