Laboratory for Aerosol Science, Spectroscopy, and Optics

Lab Description

The Laboratory for Aerosol Science, Spectroscopy, and Optics (LASSO), directed by Dr. Hans Moosmüller, is a facility for the development and use of modern optical techniques for atmospheric and emission measurements. Laboratory work has been focused on the development and use of innovative optical and acoustic instrumentation for the real-time quantification of particulate matter (PM) and its optical properties. State-of-the-art instrumentation is being used for both ambient and laboratory measurements to better understand air quality, dust entrainment, biomass combustion processes, aerosol-cryosphere interactions, and more.

Hans Moosmüller
Dr. Hans MoosmullerLASSO Director, Wildland Fire Science Center Director, Research Professor
Dr. Moosmüller’s interests include experimental and theoretical research in optical spectroscopy as well as its applications to atmospheric, aerosol, and climate physics. His research focuses on development and application of real time, in situ measurement methods for aerosol light absorption, scattering, extinction, and asymmetry parameter, and new optical remote sensing techniques. These measurement methods are being used for ambient air monitoring and vehicle, fugitive dust, and biomass burning emission studies. His latest research interests are fast, ultra-sensitive measurements of elementary mercury concentrations and fluxes and aerosol morphology and its influence on aerosol optical properties with a focus on fractal-like chain aggregates found in combustion particles. Dr. Moosmüller has also participated in the planning, fieldwork, and data analysis of several major air quality studies. During his first three years at DRI, he was responsible for the airborne ozone lidar research program under a cooperative agreement with the USEPA.


Current Graduate Students

  • Nicholas D. Beres
  • Megan J. Rennie

Affiliate Faculty

  • Dr. Pat Arnott
  • Dr. Adam Watts
  • Dr. Vera Samburova
  • Dr. Andrey Khlystov
  • Dr. Kurt Ehlers

CONTACT

Hans Moosmüller, Ph.D.
Lab Director
Hans.Moosmuller@dri.edu 
775.674.7063 

LAB LOCATION

Desert Research Institute
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512

DIVISION

Atmospheric Sciences