A Prototype Bioluminescence Photometer
Abstract
This document describes the NAVOCEANO Bioluminescence Photometer System, a vertically-lowered device that records flashes of light produced when small bioluminescent marine organisms are pumped into a turbulent flow regime chamber where they are viewed by a photomultiplier tube. The history and performance of this device are documented in this report. The combined results of experience at sea and engineering performance evaluations suggest that: (1) The present instrument is a useful tool for mapping dinoflagellate bioluminescence capabilities within the upper ocean. (2) A recent modification (based on a twelve-conductor set of winch slip rings) allowed continuos profiles of dinoflagellate light production to be recorded without significant decreases in sensitivity or signal degradation by noise. (3) The present instrument is not useful for underway work or for measuring light produced by organisms of approximately 400 microns in length and larger (thus excluding the larger copepods and practically all euphausiids, fishes, squids, etc.), and (4) Several improvements can be made on the present device by experimenting with underway systems and with chamber sizes, shapes and flow regimes; by altering rates of pumping, and by deviating from the present chart record counting of flashes to an automated data retrieval system based not on individual organism performance but on the maximally-stimulated bioluminescent light produced within a unit volume of sea water.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA119807
Entities
People
- Mark L. Geiger