Sequoia has been funded by the NASA SBIR program under a Phase I grant to develop a submersible hyperspectral volume scattering function (VSF) sensor to better understand the underwater light field and support ocean color remote sensing research. The sensor complements our other hyperspectral IOP sensors (Hyper-a, Hyper-bb, and Hyper-c), also funded by the NASA SBIR program.
Hyper-VSF (NASA SBIR Phase I)
More Info
Motivation:
The volume scattering function (VSF) describes the intensity of light scattered per unit incident irradiance per unit of water volume, and is a function of the wavelength of incident light and scattering angle. Constituents in seawater (e.g., bubbles, particles) and their properties (e.g., size, shape, composition) impact how light is scattered in the water; therefore, measuring the VSF can provide context for what is in the water while simultaneously helping define the light field leaving the water for remote sensing reflectance studies. However, this measurement is difficult to make in-situ, especially across a wide angle range (0-180 degrees). Several prototype sensors for spectral and/or wide-angle-range VSF measurements have been developed, but the only existing commercial submersible sensor with broad angle coverage is the LISST-VSF developed by our team at Sequoia. This instrument only measures at a single wavelength, however. Therefore, we aim to develop a new submersible sensor that expands the spectral and angular range and resolution from previous VSF sensors to offer a new commercial instrument that meets NASA’s needs for improved in-situ VSF measurements to support ocean color research.
Summary:
The 6-month project, which began on 09/30/2026, aims to develop and test a sensor prototype to TRL 4 on the benchtop. We plan to perform optical simulations, optomechanical design work, component testing, and sensor breadboarding.
Timeline:
- 09/30/2026: Project officially started!
Relevant Links:
Sequoia Press Release: Sequoia funded by NASA to develop a hyperspectral VSF sensor!
NASA SBIR 2026 Phase I Selections: 2026 SBIR/STTR Phase I Selections
Sponsor
This project was funded through NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program under contract #80NSSC26C0325. To learn more about the program, click here: NASA’s SBIR Program