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Instruments

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
  • 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 and 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)

In addition we have a mini Cloud Condensation Nuclei counter that we use to understand the cloud properties of particles.  And, we also measure black carbon mass concentrations using an aethalometer.  We also can now measure PM2.5 mass using a BAM.

We also have several commercial gas-phase instruments includign:

  • NOx analyzer
  • Ozone analyzer
  • SO2 analyzer
  • CO analyzer

We have a chemical ionization gas-phase mass spectrometer in our lab that we use in collaboration wth Prof. Mario Molina's Group.