Fluorescence is an indicator of the active phytoplankton biomass and the chlorophyll concentration in water. Unlike standard fluorescence sensors, the FT3-D is uniquely designed to minimize flow distortions around the sampling head. This makes it possible to resolve variations of fluorescence and turbidity over length scales of 7 mm, making the sensor’s spatial resolution comparable to that of shear probes or thermistors. This gives valuable insight into the small-scale structure of plankton and biomass distributions and how they interact with the physical field.
The spatial response of the sensor was tested in a series of laboratory test, which are discussed by Wolk et al. (2006).
The sensor is ideal for integration in profiling systems, AUVs, or ROVs. On the VMP-500 the FT3-D fluorometer is fully integrated into the nose cone, where the sensor is located next to the turbulence probes.
Specifications:
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Length
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135 mm
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Width
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29 mm
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Pressure Rating
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1000 m
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Temperature Range
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0 - 30 °C
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Analog output
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0 - 2.5 V
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Supply Voltage
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± 12 VDC
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Current Consumption
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80 mA @ 12V, 20 mA @ -12V
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Excitation Wavelength
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400 - 480 nm
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Emission Wavelength
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640 - 720 nm
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Range (fluorescence)
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0 - 200 ppb
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Range (turbidity)
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0 - 200 ppm
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