Physics

Physics Club

Give to the Physics Department

Contact Information
Peter Lemaire
Professor, Department Chair
Physics & Engineering Physics
Nicolaus Copernicus Hall
109, 545. Office LIB AX 301-01
(860) 832-2939
lemaire@ccsu.edu
Eva Vrdoljak
Secretary
Physics & Engineering Physics
Library Annex
301
860.832.2930
vrdoljake@ccsu.edu

The CCSU LASER Group

Lidar Atmospheric Studies and Environmental Research Group

About the CCSU LASER Group:

The CCSU LASER group is a research group focused on using laser radar and optical techniques to study the atmosphere for applications such as air quality, climate change and atmospheric dynamics. Led by Dr. Nimmi Sharma, an enthusiastic group of undergraduate research assistants conduct experimental research on laser light scattering in the atmosphere, optical atmospheric studies, remote sensing and optical instrument development. We shine large green lasers into the night sky and study the scattered laser light to reveal invisible atmospheric properties. Projects include development of novel lidar instruments, tracking long range transport of dust from Asia over Hawaii, investigating aerosol properties affecting climate change, studying efficacy of different masking materials in blocking airborne particulates, and measuring air pollution during recent Canadian Smoke events. We collaborate with scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, University of Rhode Island, University of the Bahamas and more. Our research students present their work at regional, national and international conferences, travelling to Hawaii and Italy to showcase their accomplishments. Interested in joining our exciting group? Please contact Nimmi Sharma at sharmanin@ccsu.edu.

CCSU Laser Group Students conducting experiments in Mobile Lidar Lab

CCSU Laser Group Students conducting experiments in Mobile Lidar Lab.

Canadian Smoke event (see tiny red sun above)

CCSU Laser Group Students working on laser instrument design in Optics Lab.

CCSU Laser Group Students working on laser instrument design in Optics Lab

Canadian Smoke Event

Green Laser Experiment

CCSU Laser Group Students with the Green Laser.

CCSU Students presenting their research, conducted with Dr. Nimmi Sharma, at SPIE ASIA, Hawaii

CCSU Students presenting their research, conducted with Dr. Nimmi Sharma, at SPIE ASIA, Hawaii.

CCSU Students presenting their research, conducted with Dr. Nimmi Sharma, at SPIE ASIA, Hawaii

CCSU LASER Group Happenings:

  • Students are working on laser instrument development projects for design and development of inexpensive, rugged laser instruments to measure suspended particulates in the atmosphere
  • Students are investigating physical and computational techniques in Star Photometry to quantify starlight received at ground level to derive atmospheric properties.
  • In collaboration with our partners, students are analyzing data and studying atmospheric properties and circulation patterns across the country and beyond.
  • Students are preparing conference presentations on their work.
  • Dr. Nimmi Sharma and her collaborator, Dr. John Barnes, are travelling to Poland to participate in the European Lidar Conference and conduct a workshop/presentation/research study using their Camera Lidar instrument to build collaborations abroad.