Cessna 207
Cessna 207 Stationair

The Passive-Cavity Aerosol Spectrometer Probe (PCASP) is an in situ airborne optical spectrometer manufactured by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It detects light scattered by particles to determine aerosol size distribution and concentration within the 0.1 to 3.0 μm range. PCASP operates at a wavelength of 632 nm and typically samples at 10 Hz.

Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for measurements of atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed/direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.

The Optical Particle Counter (OPC) is an optical device used to measure aerosol particle size and concentration. It determines particle size and concentration by detecting the intensity of scattered light. Most OPCs operate within the visible to near-infrared wavelengths (500-1100 nm) and have a time resolution of 1 second. They are typically used to measure particles larger than 0.5 μm in diameter. OPCs can be used for both airborne and ground-based applications.

The Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) is an in situ optical sensor produced by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It detects cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) by supersaturating the sampled air, allowing CCN particles to become detectable. The particles are then measured with an optical particle counter (OPC). CNC can detect particles from 0.75 to 10 μm in diameter and operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz. It is suitable for both airborne and ground-based operations.

The Quadrupole Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (Q-AMS) is an in situ mass spectrometer produced by Aerodyne Research. It is the quadrupole version of the AMS and is designed to provide real-time measurements of size-resolved aerosol, mass, and chemical composition. It can detect particles ranging from 30 to 1000 nm and typically has a time resolution of 5 minutes. Q-AMS can be used in laboratory, airborne, and field measurements.

Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure various chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratio, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.

The Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) is an in situ airborne optical particle counter initially developed by Particle Measuring Systems, Inc. It determines particle size distribution by measuring the light intensity scattered by individual particles within the cloud. FSSP can detect particles ranging from 0.5 to 47 μm in diameter. It functions at a wavelength of 633 nm and typically samples at a rate of 1 Hz.