Method for operating a sensor element for detecting particles of a measuring gas in a measuring gas chamber

A method for operating a sensor element for detecting particles of a measuring gas in a measuring gas chamber, the sensor element including a support and at least one measuring electrode that is connected to the support and that may be exposed to the measuring gas, the method comprising:

• a) carrying out a first regeneration of the sensor element at a first regeneration temperature;
• b) carrying out a first diagnostic measurement at the measuring electrode;
• and
• c) carrying out at least one of the following steps based on a result of the first diagnostic measurement:
• c1) outputting an error message;
• or
• c2) carrying out a measuring phase for detecting the particles of the measuring gas;
• or
• c3) carrying out a second regeneration of the sensor element at a second regeneration temperature.

A sensor for detecting particles of a measuring gas in a measuring gas chamber, comprising:

• at least one sensor element;
• and
• at least one controller that is connected to the sensor element, the sensor element including a support and at least one measuring electrode that is connected to the support and that may be exposed to the measuring gas, the controller being configured to:
• a) carry out a first regeneration of the sensor element at a first regeneration temperature;
• b) carry out a first diagnostic measurement at the measuring electrode;
• and
• c) carry out at least one of the following steps based on a result of the first diagnostic measurement:
• c1) output an error message;
• or
• c2) carry out a measuring phase for detecting the particles of the measuring gas;
• or
• c3) carry out a second regeneration of the sensor element at a second regeneration temperature.