AEROSOL DETECTION

摘要

Aerosol detection apparatus comprises an aircraft having a dielectric member, such as a window (10), comprised in the body (12) thereof such that a surface of the dielectric member forms part of the exterior surface of the aircraft. Detection means (16), such as a static monitor is located on the inside of the aircraft and arranged to detect an electric field resulting from polarization of the dielectric member. The output of the static monitor, or the rate of change thereof, correlates closely to particle density as the aircraft is flown though an aerosol, such as a volcanic ash cloud. The apparatus is simple and relatively inexpensive, and may comprise any general purpose aircraft. Aerosol particles may be detected and mapped using apparatus of the invention more easily and quickly than by use of devices such as optical spectrometers mounted on dedicated research aircraft, or static monitors mounted on the exterior of an aircraft.