We measure climate- and air quality-relevant atmospheric trace gases and aerosols, and work to understand their chemical processing.
We use Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) to measure trace gases, including Oxygenated Volatile Organic Compounds (OVOCs) such as glyoxal (CHOCHO) and formaldehyde (HCHO); halogen radicals such as bromine monoxide (BrO) and iodine monoxide (IO); nitrogen dioxide (NO2); ozone (O3); sulfur dioxide (SO2); nitrous acid (HONO); and water vapor (H2O).
We use measurements of Oxygen Collision-Induced Absorption (O2-O2) and Raman Scattering Probability (RSP) to retrieve aerosol optical properties.
OVOCs and halogen radicals affect the oxidative, or “self-cleaning,” capacity of Earth’s atmosphere. Further reactions of these species can lead to significant effects on climate-active gases such as global ozone, methane (CH4), and dimethyl sulfide (DMS). OVOC processing in clouds and aerosols is a globally relevant source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Halogen radicals can promote mercury oxidation, resulting in higher rates of mercury deposition to ecosystems and the food chain.