Institute of Atmospheric and Cryospheric Sciences (ACINN),
University of Innsbruck

The Innsbruck Atmospheric Observatory (IAO) for Environmental Research in Alpine and Urban Terrain.

The Department of Atmospheric and Cryospheric Sciences (ACINN) is devoted to basic research in the areas of weather forecasting, mountain meteorology, atmospheric composition, earth atmosphere interactions and ice-climate relations. Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry at ACINN focus on the following research topics:

  • In-situ-techniques to probe the atmosphere
  • Remote sensing for atmospheric composition

The Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry (APC) group at ACINN uses innovative approaches to quantify the chemical composition of the atmosphere. New experimental concepts are explored that allow studying the exchange of trace constituents and their atmospheric transport and chemistry in the atmosphere, as well as testing and improving modeling concepts. 

In 2017, the Innsbruck Atmospheric Observatory (IAO) was established as part of a major research infrastructure by the University of Innsbruck, allowing to study urban exchange processes of momentum, energy, trace gases and aerosols in an Alpine environment.  The IAO aims to investigate atmospheric chemistry, micrometeorology and mountain meteorology in a synergistic fashion within an urban setting.

Role in ACTRIS:

  • Contributing to aerosol remote sensing 
  • Contributing to trace gas remote sensing
  • Contributing to aerosol in situ 
  • Contributing to trace gas in situ

Retrievals:

  • Aerosol parameter (in situ + remote sensing)
  • Trace gases (in situ + remote sensing)

Contact:

Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Thomas Karl 
Thomas.Karl(at)uibk.ac.at
http://acinn.uibk.ac.at/
https://www.atm-phys-chem.at

 

 

Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems - Sensor Systems and Sensor Physics

The Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems (EMS) at Graz University of Technology significantly contributes to the ACTRIS network through advanced sensing technologies for aerosols and gases. The Sensor Systems and Sensor Physics, and Photonic Sensors groups specialize in developing adapted measurement systems for environmental monitoring, air quality assessment, traffic pollution measurement, and icing cloud characterization.

Their research includes technologies such as photoacoustic spectroscopy, condensation particle counters, optical particle detection, and electrical particle detection. EMS operates a well-equipped aerosol reference laboratory with state-of-the-art instruments like the Jing miniCAST, TSI SMPS, and custom-made aerosol generators. They focus on improving aerosol and gas sensors for specific environments, such as traffic-related emissions and environmental trace gas quantification through laser-based techniques like TDLAS and PAS.

EMS also advances cloud characterization, particularly the measurement of liquid and ice water content in clouds, supported by in-house calibration tools. Their capabilities extend to complete sensor system design, including signal processing, hardware design, and system calibration.

Role in ACTRIS:

  • development of advanced sensor techniques
  • traffic pollution measurement
  • aerosol reference laboratory

Retrievals:

  • in situ aerosol and trace gase measurements
  • in situ cloud (liquid and ice water content) measurements

Contact:

Univ.-Prof. Mag.rer.nat. Dr.rer.nat. Alexander Bergmann
Institute of Electrical Measurements and Sensoric 
alexander.bergmann@tugraz.at
https://www.tugraz.at/en/institutes/ems/research/sensor-systems-and-sensor-physics-group
https://www.lens-horizoneurope.eu/
https://structured-matter.com




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Pandora – measuring reactive trace gases (e.g.: NO2 and O3)

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PFR – Sun Photometer measuring aerosol optical depth (AOD)



LuftBlick Earth Observation Technologies

 

LuftBlick (founded in 2012) is an internationally operating science and engineering company located at Kreith, near Innsbruck, Austria.

Our core business is atmospheric remote sensing in the ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared, with data management and instrument hosting. Our expertise includes design of ground-based and satellite-instrumentation, development of instrument control software, laboratory and field calibration, retrieval algorithms for atmospheric trace gases (e.g. O3, NO2), instrument network hosting, operational network data and image processing, satellite validation support, data search and collocation, data harmonization, quality control, analysis and conversion.

LuftBlick’s key personnel has many years of experience in atmospheric research and has been serving as consultants or collaborators for institutions like ESA, NASA, the Skin Cancer Foundation, or Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center.

Role in ACTRIS:

  • Common operator of a central facility unit
  • Trace gas remote sensing (CREGARS), unit: UVVIS-AT

Retrievals:

  • Meteorology parameter
  • Reactive trace gases (NO2, O3, HCHO, SO2)

Contact:

Dr. Alexander Cede 
alexander.cede(at)luftblick.at 
http://pandonia.net
http://pandonia-global-network.org

Lab calibration of a Pandora



Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien)

TU Wien has concentrated its research in five research focal areas (and one additional field) – one of them being Energy and Environment, where emphasis is set on interdisciplinary research and cross-linking of activities of research groups. Generally, research activities linked to ACTRIS contribute to the research field ‘Environmental Monitoring and Climate Adaption’.

ACTRIS connects projects carried out within the research units or groups Environmental Analytics, Physical Chemistry of the Atmosphere,  Water Quality Management, Geophysics, This can be visualized via recent activities at the Sonnblick Observatory. Research at this high mountain site allows the characterization of background conditions above Europe, to identify long range transport of natural or anthropogenic pollution events and to investigate basic and applied research questions related to atmospheric processes and deposition. 

Present research projects comprise aerosol characterization, ice nucleation, wet deposition and permafrost monitoring. 

Role in ACTRIS:

  • Coordinator within ACTRIS Austria
  • Contributions to aerosol and cloud measurements at Sonnblick

Retrievals:

    • Aerosol parameter
    • Cloud and precipitation measurements

Contact:

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Anne Kasper-Giebl
Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics
anneliese.kasper-giebl@tuwien.ac.at