Ocean Vertical Column Optical Sound Velocity Profiler

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop an underwater optically-based sensor for spatially continuous determination of sound velocity profiles. The sensor leverages multiple technology advances, including a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technique applicable for depth-resolved measurements over a large range of water columns, Raman scattering spectroscopy for remote measurement of water temperature and salinity, and a computational spectroscopy approach for high efficiency, time-resolved spectroscopy measurements. During Phase I, PSI will develop a bench-top prototype setup and perform laboratory experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed ocean water sound velocity determination technique. Theoretical LIDAR modelling will be conducted to estimate key system design and performance parameters of a UUV compatible system operated under real-world ocean environment. The successful feasibility study will lay the foundation for the Phase II development and testing of a UUV compatible sensor system that will be field tested making seawater ocean velocity determinations. The effort leverages PSI experience developing and commercializing innovative spectroscopy sensing technologies and systems, including a previously developed handheld ocean optical attenuation meter (K-meter).