Abstract

Atmospheric particles affect the global climate by absorbing and scattering electromagnetic radiation. Knowledge of their optical properties at solar wavelengths (0.3–4 μm) and terrestrial wavelengths (8–20 μm) is needed. Photoacoustic measurements using broadband visible light have been previously made, resulting in values for the atmospheric aerosol absorption coefficient of 1 × 10⁻⁷m⁻¹.¹ The photoacoustic instrument has been modified for narrowband measurements in the ultraviolet through infrared regions. Absorption coefficient spectra have been obtained for atmospheric particulates collected at mountain altitudes and in Tucson, Arizona. This information has been used for identification of the absorbing material.

© 1986 Optical Society of America