Chris Hamilton

• MPhys Physics at Merton College, Oxford
• Standing wave optical trap for the investigation of nanoscopic aerosol particles

Optical trapping is a powerful set of techniques that can be used to confine, isolate and probe aerosol particles. Cloud formation processes in the atmosphere tend to involve nanometer sized particles that are historically challenging to manipulate and probe due to a lack of appropriate techniques. In this project we will build an optical standing wave trap to allow access to sub-micrometer and nanometer sized particles. Relative humidity will be controlled to investigate the nucleation process. This will allow investigation of the particle phase change behaviour from solid to liquid as water molecules condense onto an optically trapped particle.  

Project Supervisor: Dr Toni Carruthers, School of Chemistry

Funding Source: Newcastle University