Aethalometer 7 wavelengths

(Filter absorption photometer)

The aethalometer Magee Scientific AE33 enables to perform continuous measurements of aerosol Black Carbon (mostly named eqBC for equivalent Black Carbon, as the principle of measurement is based on optical attenuation).

The aerosol-laden air stream is drawn through a spot on a filter tape at a measured flow rate.  Simultaneously, the tape is illuminated by light: sensitive detectors measure the intensities of light transmitted through an unexposed portion of the tape, acting as a reference; versus the collecting spot.  As optically absorbing material accumulates on the spot, the intensity of light transmitted through it gradually decreases.  The decrease in light intensity from one measurement to the next is interpreted as an increase in collected material.

The analysis is performed at 7 optical wavelengths spanning from the near-infrared (950 nm) to the near-ultraviolet (370 nm).

L2B data available under ACTRIS framework at https://ebas.nilu.no/data-access/ (research key "Pic du Midi").