Project Title:
Instrumentation for In Situ Measurement of Apparent Bio-Optical Properties
92-1-08.14-6522 NAS05-32408
Instrumentation for In Situ Measurement of
Apparent Bio-Optical Properties
Analytical Spectral Devices, Inc.
4760 Walnut Street, Suite 105
Boulder, CO 80301
Brian Curtiss (303-444-6522)
Abstract:
While underwater spectroradiometers for the in situ
measurement of apparent optical properties of seawater have been
in use for some time, current in-water sensors do not fully meet
the needs of the bio-optics research community. They either
immediately measure a few selected wavelengths or require a minute
or more to scan the spectrum. A high-speed, high-spectral-
resolution spectroradiometer will be developed that can be
autonomously deployed away from the influence of a ship's
moorings, drifters, or towed profiling systems. The instrument
allows reasonable sounding rates while providing simultaneous,
high-spectral-resolution, in-water upwelling and downwelling
measurements. NASA's planned advanced ocean color missions and the
bio-optic research community require such an instrument to support
calibration, in-water algorithm development, and validation of
derived products. During Phase I, the project will complete the
design for a high-speed, high-spectral-resolution radiometer
capable of making simultaneous upwelling and downwelling radiation
measurements in the 380 to 900 nm wavelength region. Next, the
project will evaluate the performance of this design relative to
the performance of a prototype instrument based on an existing
design. Finally, a calibration plan will be formulated as will the
work to be performed in Phase II of this research.
Potential Commercial Application:
Potential Commercial Applications: This research will lead to the
development of a high-spectral-resolution spectroradiometer for
the in situ measurement of apparent optical properties of water
and for applications in water quality monitoring and assessment.
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