Exploring 3D nano-scale printed ice analogues in Atmospheric Science (E3DP-IANAS)

We propose to use state-of-the-art 3D printing facilities at the University of Manchester (UoM) to fabricate "analogue ice crystals", which resemble real ice crystals that grow naturally in Earth's atmosphere. We will refer to these analogues as "Nanoice" because they are made using a Nanoscribe(TM) 3D printer. During this discovery science project our aim is to (1) explore the use of Nanoice in calibrating the probes that are used to measure and quantify atmospheric ice crystals and (2) to determine whether the Nanoice can be used to quantify the single particle scattering properties of ice particles, which is key to reducing climate uncertainty.

The single particle scattering properties of ice crystals are of fundamental importance to reducing the uncertainty of clouds on climate, yet they are notoriously difficult to measure due to the transient nature of real ice crystals.

In order to achieve these tasks we will first fabricate Nanoice particles of different sizes and shapes on glass slides to perform a calibration procedure for the cloud particle imager family of probes. These probes are used on the UK facility for airborne measurement (FAAM) research aircraft to quantify ice clouds; however, finding representative calibration particles is difficult.

Secondly, we will explore measuring single particle scattering properties of Nanoice particles. This will require trapping single Nanoice particles inside an existing acoustic levitation device at the University of Manchester, illuminating the Nanoice particles with a laser, and measuring any scattered light. This latter activity will enable better understanding of the impact of ice particle shapes on climate.