Aerosol Physics and Optics Group

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The vision of the Aerosol Physics and Optics Group is to reduce uncertainties of predictions of future climate and to improve health through better air quality by advancing the scientific understanding of environmental impacts of atmospheric aerosols. We focus on aerosol physical and optical properties that remain poorly quantified or hinder identification of effective mitigation pathways.

Our mission is to perform long-term observations of atmospheric aerosol at the high-altitude research station Jungfraujoch and at the Payerne observatory in order to quantify spatio-temporal variability of aerosol burden and properties driven by sources, transport and transformation, as well as removal processes. Our observations are embedded in the Global Atmosphere Watch program of the World Meteorological Organization and in the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS). We also aim at quantifying aerosol-cloud and aerosol-radiation interactions in laboratory and field experiments. One of the main topics is the relationship between physico-chemical and optical properties of aerosols, on the one hand to predict radiative impacts from aerosol properties, and on the other hand to retrieve aerosol properties from optical measurements using aerosol polarimetry.

People

Projects

Project Description Duration Contact
ACTRIS

Observation network of the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS). Source: www.actris.eu

 ongoing since 2011 Dr. Martin Gysel Beer
GAW Aerosol Monitoring at JFJ

GAW Longterm Aerosol Monitoring at the High-Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch

 ongoing since 1995 Dr. Martin Gysel Beer
BISAR

Polarimetry to Bridge the Gap between In-Situ and Remote Sensing Observations of Atmospheric Aerosols

 2022-2025 Dr. Martin Gysel Beer
APPROPRIATE

Aviation Plume PROPeRtIes AT point of Exposure

 2021-2025 Dr. Benjamin Tobias Brem
Sino-Swiss Joint Research Project on aerosol health effects

Which aerosol components and processes control the toxicity of ambient particulate pollution? Targeted studies of aerosol oxidative potential

 2020-2024 Dr. Robin Lewis Modini

A complete publication list from 2006 onwards including reprints or postprints as copyright allows is available through the institutional repository (DORA PSI).

  • Aas W, Salameh T, Wegener R, Hellén H, Jaffrezo J-L, Roldin P, et al.
    Measurement report: Spatial variability of VOCs, ozone, and carbonaceous aerosols during the 2022 European summer heatwave
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2026; 26(12): 8717-8751. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8717-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Bernet L, Brem BT, Bukowiecki N, Henne S, Klausen J, Mutuku M, et al.
    Long-term trace gas and black carbon measurements at the high-altitude station Mount Kenya: tropical atmospheric variability and the influence of African emissions
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2026; 26(10): 6741-6762. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-6741-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Collaud Coen M, Brem BT, Gysel-Beer M, Modini R, Henne S, Steinbacher M, et al.
    Detection and climatology of Saharan dust frequency and mass at the Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l., Switzerland)
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2026; 26(2): 1623-1645. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-1623-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Deshmukh S, Ferrer-Cid P, Romshoo B, Poulain L, Barcelo-Ordinas JM, Garcia-Vidal J, et al.
    Regional aerosol hygroscopicity influences radiative forcing globally
    Communications Earth & Environment. 2026; 7(1): 416 (14 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03505-z
    DORA PSI
  • Edebeli J, Durdina L, Brem BT, Rindlisbacher T
    Aviation particulate matter emissions research in Switzerland: history and milestones to date
    Chimia. 2026; 80(1-2): 36-40. https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2026.36
    DORA PSI
  • Farah E, Fadel M, Fakhri N, Dhaini HR, Oikonomou K, Iakovides M, et al.
    Insights into air pollution at an urban site in the Greater Cairo Megacity: minor PM2.5 sources with significant health risks
    Atmospheric Environment. 2026; 373: 121905 (12 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2026.121905
    DORA PSI
  • Garg A, Desservettaz M, Christodoulou A, Christoudias T, Kanawade VP, Savvides C, et al.
    Heat and continental transport shape the variability of volatile organic compounds in the Eastern Mediterranean: insights from multi-year observations and regional modeling
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2026; 26(4): 2597-2622. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-2597-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Gidarakou M, Papayannis A, Gao K, Gidarakos P, Crouzy B, Foskinis R, et al.
    Profiling pollen and biomass burning particles over Payerne, Switzerland using laser-induced fluorescence lidar and in situ techniques during the 2023 PERICLES campaign
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2026; 26(2): 923-945. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-923-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Kanawade VP, Deot N, Ciobanu M, Christodoulou A, van den Born M, Liu C, et al.
    Observations of nanoparticle shrinkage phenomena
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2026; 26(12): 8839-8854. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8839-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Li Q, Sun Z, Liu M, Che H, Zheng Y, Li J
    An ensemble machine learning method to retrieve aerosol parameters from ground-based Sun-sky photometer measurements
    Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. 2026; 19(7): 2507-2528. https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-2507-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Liu X, Wang M, An T, Zhang X, Wang T, Lara R, et al.
    Analysis of the abundance and impacts of volatile organic compounds across Europe
    npj Climate and Atmospheric Science. 2026; 9: 103 (15 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-026-01378-9
    DORA PSI
  • Manousakas MI, Cui T, Wang Q, Qi L, Furger M, Cheung RKY, et al.
    Evaluation of real-time source apportionment approaches in six Chinese cities using the AXA (ACSM, Xact, Aethalometer) instrumental set-up
    Scientific Reports. 2026; 16: 9890 (19 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-38154-x
    DORA PSI
  • Mazzini M, Aliaga D, Lamphilati J, Gysel-Beer M, Brem BT, Modini RL, et al.
    Aerosol size distribution and new particle formation in high mountain environments: a comparative study at Monte Cimone and Jungfraujoch GAW stations
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2026; 26(12): 8893-8912. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8893-2026
    DORA PSI
  • Rovira J, Yus-Díez J, Chen GI, Močnik G, Gysel-Beer M, Aas W, et al.
    Constraining the intensive absorption properties of ambient organic aerosol particles based on pan-European observations
    npj Climate and Atmospheric Science. 2026; 9: 131 (15 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-026-01405-9
    DORA PSI
  • Tinorua S, Brem BT, Decker ZCJ, Slowik JG, Alpert PA, Ammann M, et al.
    Ubiquity of aviation ultrafine particles and lubrication oil compounds near Zurich Airport
    Environmental Science and Technology. 2026; 60(17): 13051-13062. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c18458
    DORA PSI
  • Vasilakos PN, Upadhyay A, Manousakas MI, Alastuey A, Allan JD, Alves CA, et al.
    Rising dust pollution across Europe in a changing climate
    Nature. 2026; 655(8123): 647-654. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10743-w
    DORA PSI
  • Velazquez-Garcia A, Denjean C, Yu C, Tinorua S, Bourrianne T, Burnet F, et al.
    Observational evidence for relative humidity driving black carbon mixing state and absorption enhancement in urban outflows
    Geophysical Research Letters. 2026; 53(8): (11 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL121520
    DORA PSI
  • Ajith TC, Windwer E, Fang Z, Li C, Modini RL, Onasch TB, et al.
    Evaluation of the 365 nm CAPS PM SSA monitor and its use in both laboratory and field measurements
    Aerosol Science and Technology. 2025; 59(11): 1456-1474. https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2025.2488478
    DORA PSI
  • Bauer M, Slowik JG, Via M, Khare P, Chazeau B, Glojek K, et al.
    Assessing the severe urban pollution crisis in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: mobile measurements and source characterization
    Environment International. 2025; 207: 110009 (15 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2025.110009
    DORA PSI
  • Bogler S, Zhang J, Cheung RKY, Li K, Prévôt ASH, El Haddad I, et al.
    Ozonolysis of primary biomass burning organic aerosol particles: Insights into reactivity and phase state
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2025; 25(17): 10229-10243. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-10229-2025
    DORA PSI
  • Casans A, Casquero-Vera JA, Rejano F, Lyamani H, Cazorla A, Zabala I, et al.
    Determining the impact of new particle formation events on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations
    Science of the Total Environment. 2025; 972: 179094 (16 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179094
    DORA PSI
  • Cheng Z, Qiu X, Shi X, Li A, Zhong P, Tian Y, et al.
    Bihourly monitoring reveals the significance of photochemical removal of PAHs in the urban atmosphere
    Environmental Science and Technology. 2025; 59(47): 25288-25295. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c09208
    DORA PSI
  • Cheung RKY, Zhang J, Wang T, Kattner L, Bogler S, Puthussery JV, et al.
    Online measurements during simulated atmospheric aging track the strongly increasing oxidative potential of complex combustion aerosols relative to their primary emissions
    Environmental Science and Technology Letters. 2025; 12(1): 64-72. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00956
    DORA PSI
  • Dada L, Brem BT, Amarandi-Netedu L-M, Collaud Coen M, Evangeliou N, Hueglin C, et al.
    Sources of ultrafine particles at a rural midland site in Switzerland
    Aerosol Research. 2025; 3(1): 315-336. https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-315-2025
    DORA PSI
  • Durdina L, Decker ZCJ, Edebeli J, Spirig C, Frischknecht T, Anet JG, et al.
    Gaseous and particulate emissions from a small business jet using conventional jet A-1 and a 30% SAF blend
    ACS ES&T Air. 2025; 2(5): 967-978. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestair.5c00053
    DORA PSI
  • El Haddad I, Daellenbach K, Slowik J, Dada L, Brem B, Prevot ASH
    Particulate pollution around the world and its health implications
    In: Brand H, Rao N, Jayaram D, eds. Climate change and public health. Governance and challenges. Singapore: Springer Nature; 2025:33-46. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-0895-2_3
    DORA PSI
  • Franck A, Kivekäs N, Kontkanen T, Saponaro G, Zaitseva E, Angelov H, et al.
    ACTRIS community handbook 2025. ACTRIS collaborative network
    Helsinki: ACTRIS ERIC; 2025. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15102083
    DORA PSI
  • Kilchhofer K, Ammann M, Torrent L, Cheung RKY, Alpert PA
    Copper accelerates photochemically induced radical chemistry of iron-containing secondary organic aerosol (SOA)
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2025; 25(14): 8061-8086. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8061-2025
    DORA PSI
  • Ma Y, Sheng M, Shang J, Tang R, Cao J, Liu Y, et al.
    Dithiothreitol oxidative potential (OP) of PM2.5 in Beijing: quantitative contribution of metals to OP and its prediction based on machine learning models
    Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2025; 496: 139471 (9 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139471
    DORA PSI
  • Rovira J, Savadkoohi M, Chen GI, Močnik G, Aas W, Alados-Arboledas L, et al.
    A European aerosol phenomenology – 9: Light absorption properties of carbonaceous aerosol particles across surface Europe
    Environment International. 2025; 195: 109185 (19 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.109185
    DORA PSI
  • Savadkoohi M, Gherras M, Favez O, Petit J-E, Rovira J, Chen GI, et al.
    Addressing the advantages and limitations of using Aethalometer data to determine the optimal absorption Ångström exponents (AAEs) values for eBC source apportionment
    Atmospheric Environment. 2025; 349: 121121 (14 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2025.121121
    DORA PSI
  • Simon L, Barreira L, Kylämäki K, Saarikoski S, Aurela M, Li D, et al.
    From real-driving emissions to urban air quality: composition of aged PM from modern diesel, gasoline, and CNG fueled cars and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
    Atmospheric Environment: X. 2025; 28: 100375 (14 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aeaoa.2025.100375
    DORA PSI
  • Simon L, Favez O, Petit JE, Canonaco F, Slowik JG, Marchand C, et al.
    Source apportionment of organic gaseous and particulate compounds using a combined positive matrix factorization approach in summer (2020) in the Paris region (France)
    Atmospheric Environment. 2025; 354: 121269 (13 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2025.121269
    DORA PSI
  • Upadhyay A, Jiang J, Cheng Y, Vasilakos P, Chen Y, Banos DT, et al.
    High-resolution modelling of particulate matter chemical composition over Europe: brake wear pollution
    Environment International. 2025; 202: 109615 (13 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2025.109615
    DORA PSI
  • Wang T, Zhang J, Lamkaddam H, Li K, Cheung KY, Kattner L, et al.
    Chemical characterization of organic vapors from wood, straw, cow dung, and coal burning
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2025; 25(4): 2707-2724. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2707-2025
    DORA PSI
  • Xu Q, Bertozzi B, Modini RL, Brem BT, Müller T, Romshoo B, et al.
    Evaluating and improving light absorption retrievals of black carbon using in situ polar nephelometry
    Environmental Science and Technology. 2025; 59(39): 21076-21089. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c05919
    DORA PSI
  • Ammann M, Alpert PA, Artiglia L, Bao F, Bartels-Rausch T, Ospina JFF, et al.
    Multiphase chemistry in the atmosphere
    Chimia. 2024; 78(11): 754-761. https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.754
    DORA PSI
  • Bachmann O, Foubert A, Dèzes P, Hetényi G, Jäggi A, Müntener O, et al.
    Geosciences community roadmap 2024. Update of Swiss community needs for research infrastructures 2029–2032
    Bern: Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT); 2024. Swiss Academies reports: 19/8. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14264991
    DORA PSI
  • Beck I, Moallemi A, Heutte B, Pernov JB, Bergner N, Rolo M, et al.
    Characteristics and sources of fluorescent aerosols in the central Arctic Ocean
    Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene. 2024; 12: 00125 (29 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2023.00125
    DORA PSI
  • Bertozzi B, Wagner R, Höhler K, Saathoff H, Möhler O, Leisner T
    Influence of the neutralization degree on the ice nucleation ability of ammoniated sulfate particles
    Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. 2024; 129(2): e2023JD040078 (22 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JD040078
    DORA PSI
  • Cheng Z, Qiu X, Li A, Chai Q, Shi X, Ge Y, et al.
    Heterogeneous reactions significantly contribute to the atmospheric formation of nitrated aromatic compounds during the haze episode in urban Beijing
    Science of the Total Environment. 2024; 917: 170612 (7 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170612
    DORA PSI
  • Cheung RKY, Qi L, Manousakas MI, Puthussery JV, Zheng Y, Koenig TK, et al.
    Major source categories of PM2.5 oxidative potential in wintertime Beijing and surroundings based on online dithiothreitol-based field measurements
    Science of the Total Environment. 2024; 928: 172345 (14 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172345
    DORA PSI
  • Decker ZCJ, Novak GA, Aikin K, Veres PR, Neuman JA, Bourgeois I, et al.
    Airborne observations constrain heterogeneous nitrogen and halogen chemistry on tropospheric and stratospheric biomass burning aerosol
    Geophysical Research Letters. 2024; 51(4): e2023GL107273 (10 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL107273
    DORA PSI
  • Decker ZCJ, Alpert PA, Ammann M, Anet JG, Bauer M, Cui T, et al.
    Emission and formation of aircraft engine oil ultrafine particles
    ACS ES&T Air. 2024; 1(12): 1662-1672. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestair.4c00184
    DORA PSI
  • Durdina L, Durand E, Edebeli J, Spirig C, Brem BT, Elser M, et al.
    Characterizing and predicting nvPM size distributions for aviation emission inventories and environmental impact
    Environmental Science and Technology. 2024; 58(24): 10548-10557. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.4c02538
    DORA PSI
  • El Haddad I, Vienneau D, Daellenbach KR, Modini R, Slowik JG, Upadhyay A, et al.
    Opinion: How will advances in aerosol science inform our understanding of the health impacts of outdoor particulate pollution?
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2024; 24(20): 11981-12011. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11981-2024
    DORA PSI
  • Heeb NV, Muñoz M, Haag R, Wyss S, Schönenberger D, Durdina L, et al.
    Corelease of genotoxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nanoparticles from a commercial aircraft jet engine – dependence on fuel and thrust
    Environmental Science and Technology. 2024; 58(3): 1615-1624. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c08152
    DORA PSI
  • Kecorius S, Madueño L, Lovric M, Racic N, Schwarz M, Cyrys J, et al.
    Atmospheric new particle formation identifier using longitudinal global particle number size distribution data
    Scientific Data. 2024; 11: 1239 (10 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04079-1
    DORA PSI
  • Lacher L, Adams MP, Barry K, Bertozzi B, Bingemer H, Boffo C, et al.
    The Puy de Dôme ICe Nucleation Intercomparison Campaign (PICNIC): comparison between online and offline methods in ambient air
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2024; 24(4): 2651-2678. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2651-2024
    DORA PSI
  • Laj P, Myhre CL, Riffault V, Amiridis V, Fuchs H, Eleftheriadis K, et al.
    Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS): The European Research Infrastructure Supporting Atmospheric Science
    Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 2024; 105(7): E1098-E1136. https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0064.1
    DORA PSI
  • Mardoñez-Balderrama V, Močnik G, Pandolfi M, Modini RL, Velarde F, Renzi L, et al.
    Atmospheric black carbon in the metropolitan area of La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia: concentration levels and emission sources
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2024; 24(20): 12055-12077. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12055-2024
    DORA PSI
  • Mohr C, Gysel-Beer M
    The chemistry of atmospheric aerosols: at the nexus between climate, energy, and air quality
    Chimia. 2024; 78(11): 728-733. https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.728
    DORA PSI
  • Romanias MN, Coggon MM, Al Ali F, Burkholder JB, Dagaut P, Decker Z, et al.
    Emissions and atmospheric chemistry of furanoids from biomass burning: insights from laboratory to atmospheric observations
    ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. 2024; 8(5): 857-899. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00226
    DORA PSI
  • Sipkens TA, Corbin JC, Smith B, Gagné S, Lobo P, Brem BT, et al.
    Quantifying the uncertainties in thermal–optical analysis of carbonaceous aircraft engine emissions: an interlaboratory study
    Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. 2024; 17(14): 4291-4302. https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4291-2024
    DORA PSI
  • Testa B, Durdina L, Alpert PA, Mahrt F, Dreimol CH, Edebeli J, et al.
    Soot aerosols from commercial aviation engines are poor ice-nucleating particles at cirrus cloud temperatures
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2024; 24(7): 4537-4567. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4537-2024
    DORA PSI
  • Tinorua S, Denjean C, Nabat P, Pont V, Arnaud M, Bourrianne T, et al.
    A 2-year intercomparison of three methods for measuring black carbon concentration at a high-altitude research station in Europe
    Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. 2024; 17(13): 3897-3915. https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3897-2024
    DORA PSI
  • Tummon F, Adamov S, Clot B, Crouzy B, Gysel-Beer M, Kawashima S, et al.
    A first evaluation of multiple automatic pollen monitors run in parallel
    Aerobiologia. 2024; 40: 93-108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-021-09729-0
    DORA PSI
  • Vogel F, Adams MP, Lacher L, Foster PB, Porter GCE, Bertozzi B, et al.
    Ice-nucleating particles active below −24°C in a Finnish boreal forest and their relationship to bioaerosols
    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2024; 24(20): 11737-11757. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-11737-2024
    DORA PSI