World’s first autonomous, submersible instrument for measuring the volume scattering function (VSF) of water with depolarization. Measures P11, P12 and P22 elements of Mueller matrix of water. Also beam attenuation c and scattering b.
The LISST-VSF covers the angular range from 0.094 to 150°. Of this, the range 0.094 to 14.9° is covered with Sequoia’s 32-ring detector optics as in the LISST-200X. From 15 to 150° scattering from the length of a laser is viewed by a rotating eyeball. These data produce P12 and a noisy estimate of P22 (no P22 estimate at 45 and 135°).
Please click here for article on how the LISST-VSF operates. Scroll down for a video explaining operation.
In-situ measurements of P11, P12 and P22 (noisy) elements of scattering Mueller matrix, (P11 is VSF) from 15-150º (no P22 estimate at 45 and 135°).
VSF (P11) only at small angles, 0.09 to 10º in 32 logarithmic steps in angles.
Only two detectors employed with absolute radiant sensitivity (A/W) calibration.
Beam attenuation measured with optics similar to our LISST-100X/200X.
Roving Eyeball™ optics permit 1-degree resolution in angles between 15 -150º.
Sampling rate at 4 seconds per measurement set (involves 2 turns of Roving Eyeball with vertical, and horizontal laser polarization).
Daylight rejection by laser modulation.
Dynamic range in VSF measurements extended via laser power dimming.
Data from small and large angles in a single data stream, including depth and temperature.
The VSF and P12 for 0.496 micron polystyrene beads, measured(blue) vs Mie theory (red).
The LISST-VSF comes with all the items necessary for deployment including a rechargeable NiMH external battery pack that allows more than 15 hours of continuous data collection. A test chamber is also provided to allow the instrument to be tested in the lab. An optional mixed test chamber with four counter rotating mixers is available for extensive laboratory testing.
Raw LISST-VSF data viewed using the Matlab GUI
The LISST-VSF also ships with Matlab scripts that allow for both viewing raw data and for one step data processing. Raw data from the instrument is plotted using a Matlab based GUI. This piece of software is useful for conducting quick QC checks of the data or ensuring cleanliness of the instrument and/or background water.
The Matlab processing functions handle all of the calculations required to convert raw data to the calibrated Volume Scattering Function. All that is required for processing is a raw data file and a clean water background file. The processing function returns approximately 15 different computed variables, most notably:
P11 (Volume Scattering Function)
P12
Noisy estimate of P22, and no P22 estimate at 45 and 135°
Beam attenuation coefficient (c)
Scattering coefficient (b)
Depth
Temperature
Optional data plots produced by the one step data processing function
The processing function also provides the option of plotting several of the computed data products.
All of the source code for the processing functions ship with the LISST-VSF. The code can be edited for custom applications or used as a tool to better understand the steps involved in the data processing.
See article below for more details about the LISST-VSF or click here to read the abstract.
Slade, W.H., Agrawal, Y.C. and Mikkelsen, O.A., 2013, September. Comparison of measured and theoretical scattering and polarization properties of narrow size range irregular sediment particles. In Oceans-San Diego, 2013 (pp. 1-6). IEEE. Link to Full Text
LISST-VSF Multi-angle polarized light scattering meter
Measures VSF of water in situ with some polarization discrimination capability from 0.1-150°, 532 nm laser, 50 (fifty) m operational depth rating, 300 m survival depth. Provides measurements of P11, P12 and a noisy estimate of P22. Includes 2 m communication and power cable, shipping container and MATLAB based data processing software (user must have MATLAB installed in order to process data). Requires 12 V @ 1 A external power. Includes Rechargeable NiMH External Battery Housing (SEQ-AC-LVSF-EBP).
SEQ-AC-LVSF-EW
1-YEAR EXTENSION OF LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Must be purchased together with new instrument.
No picture.
SEQ-AC-LVSF-SERV
3-YEAR SERVICE PLAN
One-time service of instrument within 36 months after delivery.
Includes one-way return shipping from Sequoia, all evaluation, diagnosis, testing and calibration.
Parts and labor for repairs not included.
Must be purchased together with new instrument.
NOTE: End-user responsible for return shipment DDP to Sequoia.
No picture.
LISST-VSF Accessories *NOT INCLUDED* with LISST-VSF
Item #
Description
Thumbnail
SEQ-AC-LVSF-FRM
LISST-VSF Mounting Frame
Coming!
LISST-VSF Accessories *INCLUDED* with LISST-VSF
Item #
Description
Thumbnail
SEQ-AC-LVSF-BCS
LISST-VSF 0.5 m cable to LISST-VSF external battery housing.
SEQ-AC-LVSF-CBL02
LISST-VSF 2 m replacement communication cable
SEQ-AC-LVSF-EBP
LISST-VSF Battery Housing
External rechargeable NiMH battery for use with LISST-VSF
14 Ahr, 200 Whr (enough for 15 hours of continuous VSF sampling), charger and connection cable included.
Included with a standard LISST-VSF shipment.
SEQ-AC-LVSF-PWRCBL
LISST-VSF replacement power cable
FAQ
What does the LISST-VSF measure?
The LISST-VSF is a tool for optical oceanographers and limnologists. It measures the volume scattering function of water, the beam attenuation coefficient, and scattering coefficient. In addition, it measures the depolarization properties, P12. P22 . P22 has a ‘blind spot’ around 45 and 135-degrees.
What is P12 and P22
Any light scattering event changes the polarization state of the scattered light. Even if unpolarized light scatters off a particle, the scattered light will be partially polarized. The parameter P12 describes one of the depolarization properties of the scattering medium. P22 is an indicator of sphericity; P22=1 for spheres only. For in-depth understanding, we recommend the text: Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles by C. Bohren and D. Huffman.
Does the instrument measure and record depth and temperature also?
Yes.
How is power provided?
A rechargeable external power pack is included with the instrument.
What is the angular resolution in VSF
In the small forward angles, the angle spacing is logarithmic, from 0.088 to 14.3 degrees in 32 steps. Beyond that, VSF is measured at 1-deg intervals.
How long does it take to acquire one full data set?
It takes 2 full rotations of the ‘eyeball’ to capture a single set of data. This takes about 3 seconds.
What software is included?
Software is based on Matlab, and it processes the full datafile, producing VSF, P12, P22, b, c, depth and temperature.
What do I need to learn to operate the instrument?
We have greatly simplified the user interface, and it is mostly intuitive. But, we recommend that you read the short manual in any case.
How is LISST-VSF different from previous VSF sensors?
LISST-VSF has these capabilities that prior sensors did not: (1) It measures small-forward angle VSF, from 0.09-deg out to 150; (2) It measures beam-c accurately with a beam acceptance angle < 0.06-degrees. (3) It measures P12 and P22 from 15-150 degrees; (4) From the VSF, it derives an estimate of beam-scattering coefficient b. (5) It is programmable and autonomous, ready for profiling or fixed use. (6) Laboratory use is easy, with a provided sample chamber.
