A method and apparatus for sorting and performing redundant analysis of
particles in an aerosol is disclosed. Redundant analysis reduces the
possibility of false positive analyses, which is advantageous in the art.
The apparatus may comprise an aerosol concentrator, an optical particle
analyzer, an electrosprayer and a charged particle analyzer. A method
according to the invention may comprise delivering a concentrated aerosol
stream to an optical particle analyzer; analyzing each particle of
interest and selectively triggering an electrosprayer to electrospray
each particle of interest; adding a charge to the particle, which is then
moved by electrostatic forces to a charged particle analyzer; and
performing a second, redundant analysis of each charged particle
collected on the charged particle analyzer to confirm the identity of the
particle of interest. The apparatus and method may also be adapted to
perform redundant analysis of disguised particles that are coated to
disguise their payload.