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Development of a Low-Cost Dual-Wavelength Black Carbon Monitor
Black carbon (BC) is a critical component of atmospheric aerosols, with significant implications for climate change, air quality, and public health. Affordable monitoring of black carbon is essential for advancing research and policy in under-monitored settings. Currently, commercial black carbon monitors are expensive, limiting their accessibility and deployment. Open-source black carbon monitors offer a promising alternative, providing a low-cost and customizable solution. However, existing open-source black carbon monitors typically measure light absorption at only a single wavelength, which restricts their ability to differentiate between BC from various sources.
A previous master’s student conducted an extensive literature review on the components required to develop a low-cost black carbon monitor and conducted a preliminary cost analysis. This proposal seeks to build on that foundational research by developing a low-cost, dual-wavelength black carbon monitor in the laboratory.
Keywords: black carbon, air quality, prototype, monitor, environmental monitoring
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for:
- Prototype Development
- Utilize the open-source black carbon monitor as the baseline design.
- Integrate an additional light source and detector for the second wavelength.
- Modify the existing firmware and data acquisition system to accommodate dual-wavelength measurements.
- Component Optimization
- Select appropriate light sources and detectors for the additional wavelength, considering factors such as cost, stability, and spectral range.
- Address optical alignment and noise reduction to ensure reliable measurements.
Expected Outcomes
- A functional prototype of a dual-wavelength black carbon monitor that is low-cost.
- Open-source documentation, including hardware designs and software code, to facilitate replication and further development by the scientific community.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for:
- Prototype Development - Utilize the open-source black carbon monitor as the baseline design. - Integrate an additional light source and detector for the second wavelength. - Modify the existing firmware and data acquisition system to accommodate dual-wavelength measurements. - Component Optimization - Select appropriate light sources and detectors for the additional wavelength, considering factors such as cost, stability, and spectral range. - Address optical alignment and noise reduction to ensure reliable measurements.
Expected Outcomes
- A functional prototype of a dual-wavelength black carbon monitor that is low-cost. - Open-source documentation, including hardware designs and software code, to facilitate replication and further development by the scientific community.
The goals of this project are:
- Develop a Prototype: Design and assemble a low-cost dual-wavelength black carbon monitor based on the open-source platform and components identified in the previous research.
- Optimize Component Integration: Address challenges related to integrating a second wavelength, including light source selection, detector sensitivity, and calibration protocols.
The goals of this project are:
- Develop a Prototype: Design and assemble a low-cost dual-wavelength black carbon monitor based on the open-source platform and components identified in the previous research. - Optimize Component Integration: Address challenges related to integrating a second wavelength, including light source selection, detector sensitivity, and calibration protocols.
This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in prototyping, electronics, CAD design, and manufacturing. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).
This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in prototyping, electronics, CAD design, and manufacturing. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).
ETH for Development (ETH4D) aims to develop innovations that are directly relevant to improving the livelihoods of people in low-resource settings and to educate future leaders in sustainable development.
2025_MSc-thesis_black-carbon-monitors.pdf
