A Compact Bathyphotometer

Abstract : The long-term goal is to develop a compact and low cost Bioluminescence (BL) measuring Bathyphotometer. This real time system can be hull mounted, towed, or used as an over the side instrument. The low cost design allows it to be used as an expendable for underway measurements. The economy and simplicity of operation of this instrument will allow investigators who are not familiar with bioluminescence to perform fundamental BL field measurements. Bioluminescence in the ocean has been measured with low spatial resolution in both the horizontal and the vertical. This small economical solid state sensor allows investigators to add BL measurements to their experiments. All circuitry is designed to be low power and is small enough to be used as part of an expendable system. An easy to use computer interface allows use with almost any PC. Since the design uses a solid state solution, tolerance to high vibration and shock means that this instrument can be easily adapted for harsh environments.