Optical/infrared properties of atmospheric aerosols with an in situ, multi-wavelength, multichannel nephelometer system

There exists a need to develop new instrumentation which can provide an in situ, real time measurement of the total differential scattering patterns from individual airborne particles of different composition and shape under natural and man-made atmospheric conditions. During the Phase 1 study, a literature survey was conducted, system requirements developed for an in situ, multi-wavelength, multichannel nephelometer system, and technical feasibilities were investigated. Finally, design parameters of the nephelometer system including the particle sampling inlet, the optical system, and the data acquisition system were optimized. The proposed nephelometer system will measure the differential scattering patterns of individual aerosol particles at three laser wavelengths, in three scattering planes. Successful development of such an instrument during the Phase 2 efforts will assist in filling the void of knowledge of the optical/infrared properties of atmospheric aerosols and their interactions with electromagnetic radiation fields.