Rate My Professor Michael Cotterell

Cotterell's research employs advanced laser-based spectroscopic techniques, including Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy and Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy, to probe the optical, physical, and chemical properties of aerosol particles ranging from 10 nm to 100 µm in diameter. His work addresses atmospheric aerosols' climate forcing, photobleaching kinetics, reaction acceleration in microdroplets, volatile species' interfacial dynamics, and morphological impacts on dried particles' densities and structures. He develops methods for single levitated particles using optical traps and electrodynamic balances, as well as ensemble measurements with size selection, supporting collaborations with the Met Office for airborne instrumentation. Key publications include 'The CLoud–Aerosol–Radiation interaction and forcing: Year 2017 (CLARIFY-2017) measurement campaign' (Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 2021), 'A Complete Parameterization of the Relative Humidity and Wavelength Dependence of the Refractive Index of Hygroscopic Inorganic Aerosol Particles' (Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 2017), 'Measurements of the evaporation and hygroscopic response of single fine-mode aerosol particles using a Bessel beam optical trap' (Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2014), 'Accurate Measurement of the Optical Properties of Single Aerosol Particles Using Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy' (Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 2022), and 'Photoacoustic Studies of Energy Transfer from Ozone Photoproducts to Bath Gases following Chappuis Band Photoexcitation' (Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2021). His contributions enhance quantification of aerosol light extinction, absorption, and scattering, informing climate models and environmental policy.