Quantitative and qualitative measurements of aerosol soot using laser-based techniques

Published 19 April 2023

Green overlapping lines with the shape of a hourglass. Picture. — Detecting aerosol soot using Online Raman spectrosopy with a multi-pass configuration (Taken by Kim Cuong Le)

Soot can be emitted from both natural and anthropogenic sources, including mineral deposits, open forest fires, savanna burnings, biomass burning, residential burning, and fossil fuel combustion. It absorbs solar radiation and contributes to atmospheric heating. Soot nanostructures contain varying levels of toxic chemicals that can penetrate deep into the bodies of humans and animals, leading to respiratory problems and increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer.

Our group focuses on developing and applying online and in situ spectroscopic techniques, including remote sensing, to quantitatively and qualitatively measure aerosol and deposited soot in various settings, from the laboratory to the atmosphere. We collaborate closely with several research groups in Europe and Asia, such as the MAX-IV laboratory in Sweden, ISMO at the University of Paris Saclay, and VAST in Vietnam, and others. We offer exciting projects in soot and laser-based diagnostic development for Postdoc, PhD and Master's students.