Many processes taking place in atmospheric aerosol particles are accompanied by changes in the particles’ morphology (size and shape), with potentially significant impact on weather and climate. However, the characterization of dynamic information on particle morphology and position over multiple time scales from microseconds to days under atmospherically relevant conditions has proven very challenging. Here we introduce holographic imaging of unsupported aerosol particles in air that are spatially confined by optical traps. Optical trapping in air allows contact-free observation of aerosol particles under relevant conditions and provides access to extended observation times, while the digital in-line holographic microscope provides six-dimensional spatial maps of particle positions and orientations with maximum spatial resolution in the sub-micron range and a temporal resolution of 240 μs. We demonstrate the broad applicability of our approach for a few examples and discuss its prospects for future aerosol studies, including the study of complex, multi-step phase transitions.
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