Mass Spectrometry for Atmospheric Monitoring

In this collaborative project with the Bertram group at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, we will develop a low-cost mass spectrometer capable of quantifying volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. By drastically reducing the cost of mass spectrometry instrumentation we will enable measurements of atmospheric compounds at higher spatial and temporal resolution than in currently possible. Work at Bradley focuses on determining suitable materials for the ionization source. It is critical that the materials selected do not decompose to form molecules of atmospheric interest, which would result in a system incapable of accurate atmospheric measurements. Following material determination, students at Bradley will work on the physical and electrical design of a photo-ionization conjoined-stacked-ring-ion-guide, which will serve as the ionization source for the system. Concurrent work at UW-Madison is focused on expanding the capabilities of the Wisconsin Oscillator (developed by Dr. Kregel as a post-doctoral researcher) to control an easy to manufacture linear ion trap which will serve as the mass analyzer for the system. 

In its final form, this mass spectrometer will serve to both make high-fidelity atmospheric measurements, and as an instructional tool for undergraduate education. Its low cost will make it accessible to many undergraduate institutions for which mass spectrometry was too expensive. Additionally, we will work on developing teaching materials and laboratory exercises which utilize this mass spectrometer to teach undergraduates about instrument construction, control, and data acquisition and analysis. This project is funded through a grant from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.