Towards Simultaneous Single Particle Chemical and Optical Characterization: Development of a Multi-angle Optical Scattering Module for the Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer

A large uncertainty in climate models relied on by scientists for understanding of global climate and human impacts is the uncertainty in aerosol particle absorption and scattering. While we know that aerosol scattering and absorption changes with aerosol composition and age in the atmosphere, currently gross simplifications are made in climate models. A much better understanding, driven by measurements, is required to minimize this uncertainty, which would dramatically increase the quality of the output and confidence in the model predictions. This project will combine relatively new multi-angle scattering methods into the proven aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) instrument for characterization of chemical composition of aerosols. The result will be an instrument that can simultaneously determine the chemical composition and optical properties of individual single aerosol particles, thereby able to build classes of actual particles during field campaigns and determine relationships useful for detailed modeling. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: As the U.S. and other countries move toward action on climate change, which will undoubtedly impact the economy and citizens