New Instrumentation and Technology
Developing and applying innovative tools such as new assays to determine the abundance and composition of atmospheric ice nuclei, and creating novel methods for cleaning mass spectrometers using atmospheric chemistry concepts.
Overview
We develop and apply innovative tools to advance the measurement and understanding of atmospheric aerosols. Our work includes new assays to quantify the abundance and composition of atmospheric ice-nucleating particles (INPs), the development of in-situ cleaning methods for mass spectrometers based on atmospheric chemistry concepts, and collaboration with researchers at TRIUMF to test and develop new sensors for the early detection of wildfire smoke.
Why It Matters
Accurate and reliable measurements are critical for understanding how aerosols influence air quality and climate. Improved instrumentation ensures high-quality data and extends the capability of analytical systems used across atmospheric, environmental, and health research. Early detection of wildfire smoke using advanced sensors can help mitigate health impacts and improve air quality forecasting.
Key Questions or Goals
- How can we accurately quantify and distinguish mineral and biological ice-nucleating particles in the atmosphere?
- Can atmospheric oxidation chemistry be adapted to clean and maintain mass spectrometers in situ?
- How can new sensor technologies be applied for the early detection of wildfire smoke?
Approach / Methods
- Develop a density-gradient centrifugation method combined with a droplet freezing assay to separate and quantify mineral and biological INPs.
- Apply oxidative flow reactor technology to generate hydroxyl radicals for in-situ cleaning of mass spectrometers.
- Collaborate with TRIUMF researchers to design and test advanced wildfire smoke sensors in laboratory and field environments.
- Combine these innovations with global sampling, including Arctic sites, to test and constrain atmospheric models.
Selected Publications
Worthy, S. E. et al. (2024). A Method for Separating and Quantifying Organic and Inorganic Ice Nucleating Substances Based on Density Gradient Centrifugation. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry.
Collaborators / Partners
- Agilent Technologies