Electrodynamic traps are used to suspend single, charged particles in order to permit spectroscopic interrogation and observations of mass and phase change. This technology enables the observation of gas uptake on the surface of particles as it happens in the atmosphere - without surfaces. The traps can be applied to many varied and useful scenarios such as understanding stratospheric chemistry and estimating the ozone depletion potential of solid rocket boosters. PSI has constructed a trap facility for use in-house and has also built a system to operate on a research aircraft.

Electrodynamic Traps for Aerosols Publications		Applied Optics Enterprise Atmospheric Sciences Research Area Applied Optics Facilities