A method of operating a multi-angle, multi-wave array may comprise, emitting a first light at a blue wavelength, emitting a second light at an infrared wavelength, emitting a third light at an ultraviolet wavelength, and detecting a scattered light from each of the first light, the second light, and the third light at a plurality of light sensing devices (304) wherein the detection of scattered light is determinative between categories of foreign object debris including solid objects and particulates including silicate sand, water vapor, dust, volcanic ash, sea-salt aerosol, and smoke.Corresponding particulate sensor assemblies (200) may be positioned in a sensing volume (204,206,208) of a turbine engine (20).