Fiber Optic Salinity/Density Probe

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This ocean science technology development project will develop a fiber-optic index of refraction sensor for ocean microstructure research. The sensor offers improved resolution of the density gradient spectrum of oceanic turbulence over present sensors and will enhance studies involving our understanding and modeling of global oceanic circulation. The project builds on previous work that modified an immunoassay fiber-optic technology to develop a laboratory prototype refractometer, which will be modified and tested as an ocean-deployable sensor. This sensor has the potential to be thirty times more sensitive than previous sensors designed for oceanic microstructure research. If successful, resulting measurements will contribute to a better understanding of ocean mixing.