Underwater light scattering sensor
First Claim
1. A light scattering sensor that detects forward scattered light, back scattered light and multiple scattered light to measure suspended particle concentrations in water, comprising:
- a support;
a light source mounted on the support so as to radiate light radiation into water at all angles within a first angle of radiance distribution;
a light detector mounted on the support so as to receive light radiation from the water at all angles within a second angle of irradiance distribution; and
a light stop mounted between the light source and the light detector to block any direct transmission of light from the light source to the light detector;
said first and second angles defining a particle sensing region for sensing forward scattered light, back scattered light and multiple scattered light.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An underwater light scattering sensor includes a light source, light stop and a light detector mounted on a planar support capable of measuring nearly all suspended particle concentrations found in natural waters, 1 μg/l to 3 g/l. The sensor is designed to measure light scattered at nearly all angles, which includes forward scattering, back scattering, and multiple scattering, from suspended particles in water through a very short light path length. The small and simple design of the sensor allows it to be produced at low cost, permitting its use in both expendable and non-expendable applications for the detection or measurement of suspended particulate concentrations in water. The magnitude of the scattered light measured by the sensor is proportional to the suspended particle concentration in water, provided the nature of the particles does not change.
49 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A light scattering sensor that detects forward scattered light, back scattered light and multiple scattered light to measure suspended particle concentrations in water, comprising:
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a support; a light source mounted on the support so as to radiate light radiation into water at all angles within a first angle of radiance distribution; a light detector mounted on the support so as to receive light radiation from the water at all angles within a second angle of irradiance distribution; and a light stop mounted between the light source and the light detector to block any direct transmission of light from the light source to the light detector; said first and second angles defining a particle sensing region for sensing forward scattered light, back scattered light and multiple scattered light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification