Aerosol Analysis

An aerosol is a suspension of fine particles of solid or liquid in a gas or air. Aerosols are of importance in atmospheric and environmental sciences because chemical reactions can occur on the surface or within the volume of the particles that would otherwise not occur. An example is the depletion of ozone over the Poles arising ultimately via the interaction of various gases with polar stratospheric cloud particles. At PSI, we have developed a wide array of measurement techniques for interrogating various aerosol properties including size and number distribution, optical properties, fluorescence. We routinely apply our techniques and sensors to aerosol related problems in atmospheric sciences and defense. Recent work has centered on development of technologies for in situ and remote detection of chemical and biological warfare agent aerosols for military and homeland defense.