Aerosol Mass Spectrometry via Laser-Induced Incandescence Particle Vaporization

Aerosol particles have important impacts on visibility, acid deposition, human health, and climate. A large fraction of the anthropogenic aerosol is generated from energy-related activities known to contribute a significant fraction of ambient aerosol mass in many locations. Black carbon, formed in combustion processes, is believed to have a particularly strong influence on the earth¿s climate owing to its strong light-absorbing character. This project will develop a thermal desorption, time-of-flight, aerosol mass spectrometer for size-resolved, quantitative chemical composition data on aerosol particles using a laser-based vaporization technique. This instrument will enable full characterization of black carbon components, including their state of internal and external mixing. The new instrument will be made commercially available as a stand-alone instrument and as a laser vaporization module that can be installed and operated on existing time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometers. The Phase I project successfully demonstrated the concept of using laser-based vaporization to quantitatively measure the black carbon component of aerosol particles. During Phase II, the laser-based vaporization module will be re-engineered to provide a more robust package. The module will be fully integrated into the existing aerosol mass spectrometer hardware and software. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The combined aerosol mass spectrometer and laser vaporization module will provide extended aerosol measurement capabilities to the atmospheric research community. In addition, the instrument is ideally suited for the characterization and control of aerosol emissions from a variety of industrial and energy production processes.