CAREER: Developing Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy for Laboratory Photochemistry Experiments and Atmospheric Chemical Measurements

阿拉斯加大学的威廉·辛普森教授由实验物理化学和大气化学项目资助，使用超灵敏的方法--腔衰荡光谱(CRDS)进行实验室和实地研究。这项职业计划力求将仪器开发方面与教育方面结合起来，目的是引入阿拉斯加对流层大气实地研究的敏感方法。硝酸盐的氧化、使用近红外CRDS的甲烷分布和有机硝酸盐的光化学都是感兴趣的主题。PI在阿拉斯加大学地球物理研究所和化学系有一个联合任命。随着我们对大气认识的加深，需要开发用于超灵敏大气测量的仪器。这些信息对于全球气候变化的准确建模和预测是必需的。在物理化学程序中开发的方法，如腔衰荡光谱，应最大限度地应用于这些应用。然而，还需要进一步的工作来了解这些方法在频谱拥塞、干扰等方面的局限性。辛普森教授的教育努力包括对费尔班克斯地区的美洲原住民学生的推广。他的教育计划包括为物理化学实验室课程开发视觉练习。

Professor William Simpson of the University of Alaska is funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry programs to perform experimental laboratory and field studies using the ultrasensitive method, cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS). This CAREER proposal seeks to combine instrument development aspects with educational aspects, with the goal of introducing sensitive methods for atmospheric field study of the Alaskan troposphere. Oxidation by nitrates, profiles of methane using near-IR CRDS and photochemistry of organic nitrates are the topics of interest. The PI has a joint appointment at the Geophysical Institute and the Chemistry Department at the University of Alaska. Instrument development for ultrasensitive atmospheric measurements is needed as our understanding of the atmosphere is refined. This information is required for accurate modeling and prediction of global climate changes. Methods such as cavity ring down spectroscopy, developed within the physical chemistry program, should be exploited to the maximum extent possible for these applications. However, further work is needed to understand the limits of these methods in terms of spectral congestion, interferences, etc. Professor Simpson's educational efforts include outreach to Native American students in the Fairbanks area. His education plan incorporates the development of visual exercises for physical chemistry laboratory classes.