DiveSpec Underwater Spectrometer

The DiveSpec underwater spectrometer is a scientific instrument for collecting high resolution optical data underwater. It is a fully self-contained, portable unit for diver operation. The DiveSpec was developed over a number of years as a research tool to support investigation of shallow-water optics and has been field-proven in many locations, by many operators. An important application is in collecting ground truth data to support interpretation of hyperspectral images taken from aircraft or satellite.

DATA TYPES

The DiveSpec is designed to take three kinds of measurements:

• Reflectance relative to a reference surface
• Fluorescence stimulated by blue light
• Ambient light, or reflected-light signature of a surface under ambient illumination

Click here to see examples of these three data types.

FEATURES

• Easy-to-use menu-driven software guides the user through all operations
• Backlit LCD displays interface menu and graph of each measurement for in situ quality control
• Piezoelectric keypad for menu selection and alphanumeric header entry - no need to carry a notepad to record what has been measured
• Measurement probe is on the end of one meter length of electrical and fiber optic cables. This decouples the measurement portion from the main body of the instrument, making it easy to use in current, surge, or tight spaces.
• Measurement probe design excludes ambient light for more repeatable measurements (although ambient light can be measured if desired)
• Array of LEDs in probe head provides stable full-spectrum light for reflectance measurements
• High intensity blue LED in probe head for fluorescence measurements
• Built-in buzzer signals completion of all operations, so that the operator does not have to watch the display to know when a measurement is complete
• 128 Mb flash memory can store thousands of spectral readings
• Handle with wrist lanyard
• Ergonomic design field-proven in hundreds of dives

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED

• Operator manual
• Battery charger
• Download/charge cable
• Data download software (for PC)
• Spectralon® 99% reflectance reference surface, 5 cm (2 in) diameter
• Sand stabilizer for measurements on sediments
• Neoprene probe ring for measurements on rough surfaces
• Rugged wheeled shipping case with custom foam insert
• Telephone technical support
• Warranty

SPECIFICATIONS

• Wavelength range - 360 - 800 nm
• Spectral resolution - 2 nm
• Length - 31 cm (12 in)
• Diameter (main housing) - 12.5 cm (5 in)
• Weight in air - 6 kg (13 lb)
• Weight in water - 0.5 kg (1 lb)
• Depth rating - 40 m (130 ft)

TO ORDER, or for MORE INFORMATION

• Please contact NightSea (contact information below) for a quotation or for more information
• DiveSpec is also available for lease (dependent on availability), with or without option to buy

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS CITING USE OF THE DiveSpec

• Lesser, M. P., and C. D. Mobley, 2007. Bathymetry, water optical properties, and benthic classification of coral reefs using hyperspectral remote sensing imagery. Coral Reefs, 26: 819-829.
• Madjidi, H., and S. Negahdaripour, 2006. On robustness and localization accuracy of optical flow computation for underwater color images. Computer Vision and Image Understanding, 104: 61-76.
• Mobley, C. D., L. K. Sundman, C. O. Davis, J. H. Bowles, T. V. Downes, R. A. Leathers, M. J. Montes, W. P. Bissett, D. D. R. Kohler, R. P. Reid, E. M. Louchard, and A. Gleason, 2005. Interpretation of hyperspectral remote-sensing imagery by spectrum matching and look-up tables. Applied Optics, 44: 3576-3592.
• Louchard, E. M., R. P. Reid, F. C. Stephens, C. O. Davis, R. A. Leathers, and T. V. Downes, 2003. Optical remote sensing of benthic habitats and bathymetry in coastal environments at Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas: A comparative spectral classification approach. Limnol. Oceanogr. 48: 511-521. (click to access pdf)
• Voss, K. J., C. D. Mobley, L. K. Sundman, J. E. Ivey, and C. H. Mazel, 2003. The spectral upwelling radiance distribution in optically shallow waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 48: 364-373. (click to access pdf)