AirPhoton aerosol measurement and characterization systems
AirPhoton develops instruments for quantitative measurement of atmospheric particulate matter using multiple, well-established measurement approaches. These systems support air-quality monitoring, aerosol research, climate studies, satellite validation, and environmental exposure assessment across a wide range of operational environments.
The AirPhoton portfolio includes both optical aerosol instruments, which provide real-time measurements of aerosol optical properties, and sampling-based measurement systems, which physically collect particulate matter for gravimetric, chemical, and laboratory analysis. Each approach addresses distinct measurement needs and is widely used as a primary data source in research, regulatory, and operational applications.
Optical aerosol instruments enable continuous, time-resolved observation of aerosol behavior. By measuring light scattered by particles over controlled angular geometries—and, in some configurations, polarization states—these instruments are well suited for tracking temporal variability, detecting rapid changes in aerosol conditions, and characterizing optical properties relevant to visibility, radiative forcing, and satellite observations.
Sampling-based measurement systems provide direct physical measurements of airborne particulate matter. Through controlled collection of size-segregated aerosols, these instruments support gravimetric mass determination, chemical speciation, and retrospective analysis. They are routinely used in regulatory monitoring, laboratory studies, and long-term environmental assessments where physical samples and integrated measurements are required.
This measurement capability is further extended through integration with the GRASP (General Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties) software framework. GRASP provides an additional analytical capability not available with standalone instruments, enabling physically consistent retrieval of aerosol properties from individual measurements or from synergistic use of multiple instrument types.
Polar Imaging Nephelometer
A laboratory and aircraft instrument that measures light scattering from 5 to 175 degrees. It provides particle characterization, including size distribution and complex refractive index, through hyper-angle scattering measurements.
Sampling Stations
These stations collect particulates on filters for retrospective analysis using single or dual inlets. The systems are customizable with various controllers and cartridges to support sequential or simultaneous collection at multiple size cuts.
Measurement depth and analytical advantage
AirPhoton instruments are designed to provide more physical information about atmospheric particles than conventional monitoring systems. Through controlled optical geometries, precise flow handling, and flexible sampling architectures, these instruments deliver measurements that extend beyond bulk proxy metrics and retain sensitivity to particle size, composition, and microphysical behavior.
This measurement capability is further extended through integration with the GRASP (General Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties) software framework. GRASP provides an additional analytical capability not available with standalone instruments, enabling physically consistent retrieval of aerosol properties from individual measurements or from synergistic use of multiple instrument types.
GRASP Software for aerosol property retrieval
GRASP supports retrievals from individual instruments as well as synergistic combinations of measurements across multiple instrument types. GRASP enables creation of advanced particulate characterization products, including particulate mass, size distribution, refractive index, optical properties, and related microphysical parameters. This flexibility allows users to tailor analysis workflows to specific scientific objectives, measurement constraints, and desired levels of data integration. See the individual instrument sections for specific product capabilities.
AirPhoton instruments are designed to operate effectively both with and without GRASP-based processing. Users may employ GRASP where advanced retrievals or multi-instrument integration are required, or rely on direct instrument outputs for applications where simpler or standardized metrics are sufficient.
AirPhoton aerosol measurement and characterization systems
AirPhoton instruments are designed to provide more physical information about atmospheric particles than conventional monitoring systems. Through controlled optical geometries, precise flow handling, and flexible sampling architectures, these instruments deliver measurements that extend beyond bulk proxy metrics and retain sensitivity to particle size, composition, and microphysical behavior.
This measurement capability is further extended through integration with the GRASP (General Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties) software framework. GRASP provides an additional analytical capability not available with standalone instruments, enabling physically consistent retrieval of aerosol properties from individual measurements or from synergistic use of multiple instrument types.
Measurement depth and analytical advantage
AirPhoton instruments are designed to provide more physical information about atmospheric particles than conventional monitoring systems. Through controlled optical geometries, precise flow handling, and flexible sampling architectures, these instruments deliver measurements that extend beyond bulk proxy metrics and retain sensitivity to particle size, composition, and microphysical behavior.
This measurement capability is further extended through integration with the GRASP (General Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties) software framework. GRASP provides an additional analytical capability not available with standalone instruments, enabling physically consistent retrieval of aerosol properties from individual measurements or from synergistic use of multiple instrument types.
GRASP Software for aerosol property retrieval
AirPhoton instruments are designed to provide more physical information about atmospheric particles than conventional monitoring systems. Through controlled optical geometries, precise flow handling, and flexible sampling architectures, these instruments deliver measurements that extend beyond bulk proxy metrics and retain sensitivity to particle size, composition, and microphysical behavior.
This measurement capability is further extended through integration with the GRASP (General Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties) software framework. GRASP provides an additional analytical capability not available with standalone instruments, enabling physically consistent retrieval of aerosol properties from individual measurements or from synergistic use of multiple instrument types.
Meet the team
Lorraine Remer, CEO
Lorraine Remer, CEO, led NASA’s aerosol product development team from 1998-2012. With 30 years of experience in Remote Sensing and satellite-based science and management, she is also a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.
Rich Kleidman, CCO
Richard Kleidman, AirPhoton’s CCO, co-developed NASA’s international training program. With 30 years of experience in teaching, training, and communicating science and technology, he also boasts 25 years in algorithm development for satellite retrievals.
Vanderlei Martins, CTO
Vanderlei Martins, CTO, is Director of the UMBC Earth Space Institute and Professor of Physics. He led the HARP 3U cubesat launch in 2019 and is the principal investigator for the HARP2 polarimeter on NASA’s PACE mission.
Lorraine Remer, CEO
Lorraine Remer, CEO, led NASA’s aerosol product development team from 1998-2012. With 30 years of experience in Remote Sensing and satellite-based science and management, she is also a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.
Rich Kleidman, CCO
Richard Kleidman, AirPhoton’s CCO, co-developed NASA’s international training program. With 30 years of experience in teaching, training, and communicating science and technology, he also boasts 25 years in algorithm development for satellite retrievals.
Vanderlei Martins, CTO
Vanderlei Martins, CTO, is Director of the UMBC Earth Space Institute and Professor of Physics. He led the HARP 3U cubesat launch in 2019 and is the principal investigator for the HARP2 polarimeter on NASA’s PACE mission.
