Further research focuses on the role of relative humidity and temperature on aerosol formation pathways. Aerosol formation within the chamber is tracked using scanning electrical mobility spectrometers. Particle microphysical properties, such as hygroscopicity, are tracked using tandem differential mobility analyzers. This research leads to empirical estimates of aerosol loading from one or more hydrocarbons. To further our theoretical understanding of aerosol formation, it is important to identify the key components of atmospheric aerosol.
Ambient aerosols contain hundreds of chemical species.
A full chemical analysis of the aerosol aids in the theoretical development of the processes involved in forming aerosols. Compounds of interest would include those on the EPA toxic list, such as nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. One example of this is vehicle exhaust where a complex mixture of organics and primary aerosols are produced in a limited volume of air at high temperatures. Experiments will be designed to study the chemical and physical transformations that occur as the exhaust rapidly cools and is diluted with ambient air. This will be important in designing appropriate dilution systems to be used in analyzing various sources.