We specialize in developing and using instruments that obtain data in real-time. Most of our instruments analyze aerosols, but we also have some gas-phase instuments. We have a mobile lab developed with CARB funding and generators so we can mobilize to any region of California as needed. We make measurements all over the state as well as the world (Mexico City, Asia, India).
Our ATOFMS instruments determine the chemical composition of individual particles as well as the size and optical properties:
- Clifford - chemical ionization mass spectrometer--uses chemical reactions to selectively analyze components in aerosol particles
- Shirley - laser based aircraft ATOFMS--uses a high powered laser to analyze the size and chemistry of individual particles; a lighter and more compact ATOFMS
- Laverne - nozzle inlet ATOFMS--portable instrument for measuring the size and chemical mixing state of particles 0.1-3 microns
- Jake - ultrafine ATOFMS--portable instrument for measuring the size and chemistry of ultrafine particles down to 50 nm
- Elwood - nozzle inlet ATOFMS--similar to Laverne
- Beast - our original lab-based instrument which was built first and fills an entire room!
Our newest addition is the ability to measure the optical properties as a function of mixing state (Moffet, 2008).
We also have several commercial sizing instruments:
- APS (>0.5 microns)
- CPC (UF particle counts)
- UCPC (UF particle counts)
- DMA (size select and measure particles from 10-600 nm)
Aerosol Physical and Optical Properties can be measured with:
- Aethalometer: black carbon mass and particulate light absorption at 7 wavelengths
- Nephelometer: particulate light scattering at one wavelength
- Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM): mass concentration of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5)
We also have several commercial gas-phase instruments including:
- NOx analyzer
- Ozone analyzer
- SO2 analyzer
- CO analyzer
