Inexpensive Instrument for In Situ Characterization of Particulate Matter in Volcanic Ash Plumes

Volcanic research is a significant part of the "Earth Surface & Interior" focus area of the NASA Earth Science program. After a volcanic eruption, the smallest ash particles can remain in the atmosphere for days to months affecting public health in the surrounding regions and the radiation balance on Earth. Airborne volcanic ash particulate matter (PM) also poses a major threat to aviation and would therefore be essential to distinguish and identify by remote sensing and in situ techniques. Vista Photonics in collaboration with New Jersey Institute of Technology proposes to develop an innovative technology for in situ characterization of PM in volcanic plumes, including measurement of PM size distribution function and concentration. The Phase I study will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technology and outline the design of the Phase II prototype instrument. The successful completion of this program will lead to development of a very inexpensive compact PM measurement instrument suitable for use on a variety of ground based and airborne platforms including remotely operated aircraft and surface craft, and even disposable devices, such as dropsondes.

The Project will lead to development of a new technology of in situ characterization of particulate matter including measurement of the particle concentration and size distribution function. The instrumentation based on the proposed approach can also be used for monitoring atmospheric aerosols, drop sizing in clouds, and characterization of industrial and agricultural sprays.

The proposed technology meets the needs of the "In Situ Airborne, Surface, and Submersible Instruments for Earth Science" subtopic of the NASA SBIR Program. The technology developed under this research program will provide a new tool for in situ characterization of particulate matter in volcanic plumes. The envisioned target instrument will be compact, low weight and very inexpensive to meet the strict requirements to qualify for use on ground based and airborne platforms including remotely operated aircraft and surface craft, and even disposable devices, such as dropsondes. Other NASA applications include measurement of atmospheric aerosols, and drop sizing in clouds.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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