This is a past event.

Aerosol mass spectrometry of refractory carbon particles
 

Refractory black carbon (rBC) containing particles (i.e., soot) are formed in incomplete combustion processes with significant climate forcing impacts, due to strong light absorption, and potential health effects. The complex nature of these particles makes their characterization (microphysical, chemical and optical) challenging.  New instruments are required for progress.  We have recently developed a new technique, the soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS), to measure size-resolved mass and chemical composition of rBC particles. The SP-AMS is equipped with a CW laser vaporizer.  Light absorbing particles vaporize in the laser beam, are ionized by electron ionization, and detected with high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry.  We have participated in a number of recent laboratory studies and field campaigns, characterizing hydrothermal chars, flame soot, metal nanoparticles, biomass burning smoke, industrial flare emissions, internal combustion engine exhaust, and urban environments.  An overview of the technique and several applications will be presented.

Dr. Onasch has been invited and is being hosted by the Atmospheric Sciences graduate students.

Part of the 2016 Earth Planetary and Space Sciences Institute (EPSSI) Seminar Series

Annual seminar series on topics related to Earth Planetary and Space Sciences and course UN 4000 REMOTE SENSING.