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Abstract
The radiative effects of atmospheric aerosols are the least constrained variable in many radiative forcing calculations. In an attempt to better quantify these particles many instrumental techniques have been developed to measure the optical properties of atmospheric aerosols. We have built a broadband cavity enhanced spectrometer for the measurement of aerosols in the UV-Vis spectral region. The instrument consists of three optical cavities that cover 385-425, 520-560, 630-685 nm. This large spectral coverage allows for accurate wavelength dependent aerosol extinction measurements. It is hoped that using measurements from this instrument can provide inputs to climate models that will aid in characterizing the direct effect. Such measurements include the extinction Ångström exponent, and the single scattering albedo when used in conjunction with our custom photoacoustic spectrometer.