Instrumentation for In Situ Measurement of Apparent Bio-Optical Properties

Analytical Spectral Devices, Inc.

Boulder, CO

A dual UV/Vis spectroradiometer designed for underwater measurements of apparent optical properties of sea water.  The high-speed dual-spectrometer design allows reasonable sounding rates while providing simultaneous up- and down-welling light measurements.  The use of a high spectral resolution spectrometer overcomes the limitations of filter-based designs.

• Successful development of a high-speed, high-spectral resolution solid state spectrometer module
• Delivery of an operational system meeting design specifications

• The design and manufacture of spectrometers is ASD's main business. Several of the key components developed as a part of the SBIR have been incorporated into ASD's standard spectroradiometer product line (spectrometer module, analog spectrometer module interface, and DC power system).
• A non-submersible version of this instrument, the FieldSpec® VNIR-Dual, has been developed and is commercially available.  The FieldSpec® VNIR-Dual is used by more than 25 research institutions in both the U.S. and overseas.

• High-spectral resolution measurements of apparent optical properties of seawater are essential to several NASA, ESA and NASDA oceanographic remote sensing programs. NASA, NASA-funded, and other researchers are using the instrument developed for this SBIR and the FieldSpec® VNIR-Dual, derived from the technical advances made during this SBIR, to perform these essential measurements.

Return to NASA SBIR Success Listings