A Miniature Airborne Particle Classifier (APC)

Abstract

The single greatest source of uncertainty in the estimates of climate sensitivity to either natural or man-made changes continues to be clouds (IPCC 2001, 2007). Much of this uncertainty arises from the lack of information relating to the properties of smaller cloud particles (droplets, ice crystals) and aerosol. The Particle Instruments & Diagnostics research group at the University of Hertfordshire has a successful history of developing laboratory and airborne particle counting and classification instruments to assess the size, shape and class (droplets, ice crystals, mineral aerosol, etc) of particles in the cloud. This NERC-funded project seeks to develop a miniature version of UH’s established SID-2 probe to allow it to be flown on a far wider range of aircraft, including UAVs.