Novel technologies in aerosol sensing for air quality assessment

Theme: Aerosol Measurement Techniques

Aerosols - or airborne particles of solid or liquid contaminants measuring around 10 microns in diameter - are already known to play a major role in outdoor and indoor air quality. Numerous studies have linked airborne particulate matter to negative health outcomes ranging from cognitive performance to chronic respiratory conditions. Although inexpensive sensors for aerosolized pollutants already exist, these tend to be indiscriminate: they will respond to all forms of particulates, including harmless ones.

The purpose of this project is to explore and develop sensing strategies that can enhance existing technologies by providing an indication of aerosol type. Lead supervisor: Dr David M. Birch