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 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.
