Solar Simulator at Whitney Laboratory

We have a new instrument here at Whitney Laboratory! The Atlas CPS+ is an all-wave solar simulator that allows us to simulate natural sunlight in the laboratory and manipulate the different portions of the spectrum for experimental purposes. We have several reasons for purchasing this one, as we are interested in the photolytic decomposition of man-made materials such as plastics and natural organic materials (for example dissolved organic matter that gives our river the tea color). The instrument allows us to closely control laboratory exposure of materials to infrared, ultra-violet and visible spectrum light. We can also increase the energy dose, which will shorten the necessary exposures by up to five times that of natural sunlight exposure. We also see great potential to investigate the role of UV light exposure in activation of marine viruses such as the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) seen in sea turtles. The solar simulator was purchased collaboratively between the Martindale Lab and Osborne Lab.

Information provided by Anna Thornton, lab manager in the Osborne Lab