Instruments

Our Lab is equipped with a series of cutting-edge chemical and aerosol instrumentation and we are among the best-equipped atmospheric chemistry labs in the world.

  • HR-TOF-CIMS (High-resolution time of light chemical ionization mass spectrometer) with FIGAERO (Filter inlets for gas and aerosol):

To measure gas- and aerosol-phase chemical composition simultaneously, with high-mass resolution (up to 7,000).

  • HPLC ESI Orbitrap mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific Exploris 120):

For high-resolution MS/MS analysis of organic components in aerosol particles. Mass resolution is between 15,000 to 120,000 (FWHM) at m/z 200.

  • Sulfuric acid-CIMS (Chemical ionization mass spectrometer):

The detection limit of sulfuric acid is at mid-104 cm-3 (1 Hz). The uncertainty associated with ambient measurements is estimated to be about 60% at maximum. We have multiple nitrate IMR in the lab.

  • Ammonia/amines-CIMS (Chemical ionization mass spectrometer):

To measure ambient concentrations of amines and ammonia, at the ppt or sub-ppt level with an integration time of 1 min.

  • A proton-transfer-reaction (PTR) drift tube

  • Gas chromatography flame induced detector (GC-FID), Agilent 6890N.

  • PSM (particle size magnifier) by Airmodus:

Measures the total number of concentrations of particles larger than ~1 nm.

  • Three sets of TSI SMPS (Scanning mobility particle sizer)