Hyperspectral measurements of light backscattering by particles in water with a fixed angle setup: proof of concept and instrument calibration

Abstract

The light backscatter signal is the fraction of light scattered at angles greater than 90 degrees with respect to the direction of the incident light. Optical remote sensing platforms collect this signal, which, when measured from the ocean, holds crucial information about its constituents. Interpretation of this signal demands a rigorous understanding of scattering by water and by particles in water. Previous backscatter measurements have mainly focused on resolving the angular distribution of scattering with much less attention given to resolving the wavelength component of backscatter. Most heritage sensors have looked at most 9 wavelengths of light at one scattering angle. Just recently an in situ sensor was presented that can measure backscattering with a 10 nm resolution. Here, we present a laboratory hyperspectral backscatter setup capable of measuring from the ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths (320 - 850 nm) at 2 nm resolution.