Research
The interaction of light with aerosol particles and nanoparticles
Aerosols and nanoparticles are ubiquitous in our world. Their role in atmospheric and industrial processes, in medical applications, and in the development of novel materials has become an increasingly important issue in recent years. In spite of all the activity in the field, we are still far from a fundamental understanding of their properties which limits our ability to monitor and control them.
In our research group, we use light for the detection, manipulation, and characterization of ultrafine aerosol particles and nanoparticles in order to learn more about their physical-chemical properties.
What interests us when we study ultrafine aerosol particles and nanoparticles?
- Structural properties (internal structure, surface properties)
- Reactive processes (gas-particle reactions, photochemical reactions) and phase transitions (freezing, glass formation)
- Evaporation, condensation, coagulation, and new particle formation
- Confinement effects in the light-particle interaction
- Optical trapping and manipulation of single aerosol particles
- Development of new methods for the detection of ultrafine aerosols