Abstract

The point spread function (PSF) is an important parameter in predicting beam propagation and image formation in the ocean. This property is also important because it is related to the forward scattering phase function and thus to the particulates suspended in the water column. A new instrument has been built to measure the PSF, which uses an electrooptic camera system and separate flashlamp assembly. This system allows the PSF to be measured in situ, over long (100-m) and short (10-m) path lengths. Measurements of the PSF using this camera system have been obtained in the Pacific Ocean, off San Diego, and in the Atlantic Ocean in the Bahamas. These two locations had different water column structure, in one case almost no structure (Bahamas) and in the other case a definite thermocline (Pacific Ocean). The PSF profile of these two locations is presented, along with corresponding transmissometer profiles illustrating the beam attenuation coefficient structure of the water column.

© 1989 Optical Society of America