Sequoia Scientific, Inc. is proud to announce the release of its latest product: A submersible hyperspectral absorption meter – the Hyper-a.
Measurements of in-water absorption coincident with in situ and satellite-measured radiometry are keys to refining and calibrating ocean color algorithms and developing next generation hyperspectral ocean color products such as phytoplankton community composition. As such, the Hyper-a is the ideal in-situ instrument for scientists involved in hyperspectral ocean color research. Beyond these applications, the Hyper-a also offers the capability to measure particle and dissolved material properties directly applicable to ocean biogeochemistry research, e.g. phytoplankton physiology (light absorbed by phytoplankton provides the energy that drives photosynthesis). It is an ideal companion instrument to Sequoia’s hyperspectral backscatter instrument, Hyper-bb – introduced in 2019.
The Hyper-a uses an integrating cavity to reduce measurement uncertainty due to scattering errors characteristic in other designs. It is based on a broadband xenon lamp source, dual (reference and signal) spectrometers, and employs a solid standard (“the plug”) for routine field calibration to avoid uncertainties and difficulties associated with field calibration using nigrosine solution standards. The internal datalogger allows for easy sampling programming and with 210 absorption measurements in the interval from 300 nm to 750 nm the Hyper-a is truly hyperspectral.
Hyper-a full view
Hyper-a close-up of ND and std plug
Hyper-a integrating sphere halves
The Hyper-a was developed by Sequoia on two competitive NASA SBIR grants; 80NSSC20C0472 and 80NSSC21C0491, awarded to Sequoia in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The development of the Hyper-a has been spearheaded by Sequoia’s engineering team guided by Dr. Wayne Slade (now with FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute) and supported by modeling efforts by subcontractor Sunstone Scientific LLC in Florida.
Hyper-a is available to order immediately with an expected delivery time of 6-8 weeks. From end of Q2, 2024 the Hyper-a is expected to be available for immediate delivery from stock. An optional external battery pack and frame is available for stand-alone sampling. Contact Sequoia today for Hyper-a pricing.