Measuring the Angular Distribution of Light Scattering
The LISST-VSF measures how particles scatter light at different angles, from almost 0° to 150°. This is known as the Volume Scattering Function (VSF). The VSF is fundamental to understanding ocean optics and improving remote sensing algorithms used by satellites, autonomous vehicles, and optical models. This is because particles of different size, shape, composition and internal structure all scatter light differently.

LISST-VSF

Using a green laser, the instrument measures VSF and beam attenuation at 515 nm. From the VSF, scientists can calculate a range of particle properties from the VSF. For example, Particulate Organic Carbon (POC), size distribution from 0.02 to ~2,000 um, absorption, backscattering and more.

Typical customers include ocean optics researchers in academia, government laboratories, and defense organizations. Common applications include biogeochemical studies, underwater visibility studies, and oceanic optical model development, and remote sensing studies.