Abstract
The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding our planet. It is vital in sustaining life. A clear and clean sky appears blue to our naked eye. Dust, smoke, pollen, tiny droplets of water and other particles which float in the air make the sky appear hazy. This introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials is called air pollution. It harms the environment and is a major contributor to respiratory ailments, skin cancer, ozone depletion and global warming. Since the earth’s atmosphere is a common resource which communities and nations share, it’s quality has become a national, regional or even global concern. The atmosphere has certain measurable optical property which can be studied and analyzed. Light particles or photons with varying wavelengths coming in from outer space interact with the atmosphere as they pass through towards the surface of the earth. Particles and molecules in the air reflect, absorb or scatter photons. Photons which are not reflected, scattered or absorbed, travel or diffuse through the atmosphere and reach the surface of the earth to be utilized by humans, plants for photosynthesis and solar cells for the production of renewable energy. These photons are measured by this research’s photon diffusion analyzer. Photon data is processed by a computer program. The photon analyzer, application software and the A+ Humanoid operating system used in the research were crafted by the proponent and researcher of this study. This study was able to accurately measure the amount of light particles or photons reaching any specific location. It was determined that the level of photons is inversely proportional to the level of air pollution and directly proportional to the air quality of the particular area. Photon measurements were done initially in three locations, City of Manila, Caloocan City and the vicinity of BSU Bustos Campus. The results were then analyzed and compared to weather satellite’s atmospheric data for confirmation.
© 2012 Optical Society of America
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