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The research we are conducting has to do with the particles in air. Particles
in air are a really big issue right now because they affect health, we know they increase
mortality. They affect visibility. The third issue which is a really big one right now
is their effect on climate. So the big question is can we predict the impact of these air
pollution particles on the formation of clouds and ice crystals in the atmosphere? And if
we can, that gives us a good way, quantitatively to predict what the impact will be on climate.
Using the nanoSIMS, we have the map of the particle -- the 3D mapping of the particle.
So, what we are interested in knowing is where specific groups of different molecules are
within the particle. We are hoping to mimic particles of that we find in the atmosphere with an
inorganic core and an organic coating on the outside. The reason we came here is to use
the nanoSIMS so that we can see how that coating is in a 3D form.
We use nanoSIMS and try to image this nanoparticles, and we try to find if these nanoparticles
are covered by a carbon layer or not. So here, (showing on screen) this one shows NO2. That
is a nitric peak from the particle. And this one is a silicon. This one is oxygen. This
one is carbon. Understanding this 3-dimensional structure of particles in air, I believe is
really important. And it is that kind of understanding we need if we are going to quantitatively predict
the effects of particles on climate change in the long run. The model researcher needs
this input to be sure that their model predicts the right amount of particle. Right now there
are a lot of uncertainties, so we need to really focus on determining which are the
individual components of this particle so that the model will have the right inputs,
so we could get the right output on the model whether or not the air quality is getting
better, worse, and how we can regulate all of this. ve come to EMSL because they have
a couple of things. First and foremost, they have absolutely wonderful scientists we collaborate
with. And that is first and foremost their biggest asset. But along with that, of course,
are these wonderful instruments that are really unique that we just couldn t get access to
any other way. The third thing is really important that EMSL has a variety of equipment so when
we come here, we usually don t just use a piece of equipment, we use two or three or
four different pieces of equipment. This sort of equipment is just not something that you
are going to be able to get at a single principle investigator lab.