- Our natural fluorometers are integrated optical systems specifically designed to measure natural fluorescence — the fluorescence from the phytoplankton crop stimulated by available sunlight. Starting with research conducted at Biospherical under a NASA SBIR Contract and followed on with considerable additional studies has shown that this measurement is related to photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll concentrations. Unlike strobe fluorometers, a natural fluorometer measures fluorescence emitted under the ambient light conditions that are driving photosynthesis in situ.
- Measurement: Vertical profiles and logging of scalar irradiance (EoPAR) at depth and at the surface, upwelled (nadir) red radiance (LuChl), water temperature, and pressure/depth. Calculated values include photosynthetic rates, volume fluorescence, and chlorophyll concentration.
- Spectral Response: Scalar irradiance EoPAR with 400–700 nm spectral response. Upwelling radiance LuChl covering the chlorophyll emission spectrum, spectral response centered at 683 nm.
- Small, rugged, lightweight, battery-powered.
- Depth: 200 m full scale, accuracy ±1% full scale (50 m full scale available on request)
- Temperature: –5°C to 35°C, accuracy ±0.1°C, resolution ±0.03°C
- Input Power: From battery-powered deckbox (12 VDC, 6 AH rechargeable battery)
- Output Signal: RS-232, 9600 baud serial data to computer (required)
- System includes: Radiometer with lowering frame, surface reference sensor, deckbox, 100 m underwater cable, 25 m surface reference cable, and data acquisition software.