Biospherical Instruments Inc. (BSI) products

C-OPS (Compact-Optical Profiling System) is a radiometer system for determining apparent optical properties in aquatic systems. It consists of two 7 cm diameter radiometers: one measures in-water upwelling radiance, and the other either downward irradiance or upward irradiance, pressure/depth, and dual axes tilts. Both radiometers are equipped with up to 19 optical-filter microradiometers (selected from 29 different wavelengths)and are mounted on a unique free-fall, kite-like backplane. To avoid influences from the shadow of the boat or dock, the backplane can be optimized for either slow descent rates for work in very shallow (e.g., 3 m) and coastal waters, or faster descent rates for observations in the open ocean. C-OPS is so lightweight it can be hand deployed by almost anyone, and the system can be operated from either small or large vessels. An above-water surface reference instrument is also available to measure global irradiance.

Biospherical Instruments’ BIC, and BIR multichannel radiometers are scaled-down versions of our widely used profiling radiometers. The BIC features a cosine irradiance collector and the BIR features radiance collection optics. Both radiometers measure in four wavebands selected from over 20 10-nm wide wavebands ranging from 305–875 nm and PAR.

Our natural fluorometers are integrated optical systems specifically designed to measure natural fluorescence — the fluorescence from the phytoplankton crop stimulated by available sunlight. Starting with research conducted at Biospherical under a NASA SBIR Contract and followed on with considerable additional studies has shown that this measurement is related to photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll concentrations. Unlike strobe fluorometers, a natural fluorometer measures fluorescence emitted under the ambient light conditions that are driving photosynthesis in situ.

Biospherical Instruments` Quantum Scalar Laboratory sensors make it possible to accurately measure PAR in aquatic or dry environments.   The QSL is available in either analog (QSL-2200) or digital (QSL-2100) output models.  The electronics are miniaturized to fit entirely in the handle of the light pipe and the entire sensor is submersible to 1 m depth for 30 s.

Biospherical Instruments` Quantum Scalar Laboratory sensors make it possible to accurately measure PAR in aquatic or dry environments.   The QSL is available in either analog (QSL-2200) or digital (QSL-2100) output models.  The electronics are miniaturized to fit entirely in the handle of the light pipe and the entire sensor is submersible to 1 m depth for 30 s.

Biospherical Instruments offers a variety of small, single-channel radiometers for use in the laboratory; deployment with profilers, CTDs, gliders, floats, and meteorological stations; use in aquaculture and biofuel plants; and for many other marine or terrestrial applications. The instruments are available in a large number of configurations with respect to spectral response, directional response, depth rating, signal output, packaging, cabling, and accessories.

The Advanced Multi-purpOse Usb Radiometer (AMOUR) is a high-speed USB Radiometer for research and engineering in the laboratory or field. The instrument is very versatile as the user can select different front-optics (e.g., for measuring irradiance, scalar irradiance, radiance) and different spectral responses (e.g., narrow band, wide band, PAR). The instrument is relatively inexpensive, small, and convenient as it directly connects to your PC.  The dynamic range of the instrument covers more than 10 orders of magnitude. It incorporates Biospherical Instruments` microradiometer technology, which was developed under a contract to NASA.

The instrumentation technology used to produce the latest line of Biospherical Instruments` radiometers, including C-OPS and the OSPREy family of sensors, is based on microradiometers, which were developed by Biospherical Instruments with support from a NASA SBIR grant.

The GUV-2511 Ground-based Ultraviolet / PAR Radiometer was specifically designed to measure downwelling irradiance at 305, 313, 320, 340, 380, and 395 nm, as well as Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm). Alternative wavelengths are available as an option. Incorporating a custom interference filter with negligible red-leakage, the 305 nm sensor is designed to respond to the region of the UV-B spectrum strongly affected by atmospheric ozone concentration. Similarly, other UV sensors incorporate custom interference filters and sensitive silicon photodiodes to minimize errors associated with spectral leakage.