Improved measurement performance for the Sharp GP2Y1010 dust sensor: reduction of noise.

Sharp GP2Y1010 dust sensors are being used increasingly within distributed sensing networks and for personal monitoring of exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution. These dust sensors offer an easy-to-use solution at an excellent price-point, however, the sensors are known to offer limited dynamic range and poor limits of detection (L.O.D.), generally > 15 g m-3. The latter figure of merit precludes the use of this inexpensive line of dust sensors for monitoring PM2.5 levels in environments within which particulate pollution levels are low. This manuscript presents a description of the fabrication and circuit used in the Sharp GP2Y1010 dust sensor and reports several effective strategies to minimize noise and maximize limits of detection for PM. It was found that measurement noise is primarily introduced within the photodiode detection circuitry, and electromagnetic interference can influence dust sensor signals dramatically. Through optimization of the external capacitor