Instrumentation
Research Engineering Sensor Program
Project Manager: Zbigniew Kolber
Kolber’s lab is applying new approaches to creating biophysical sensors for oceanographic applications. Much progress has already been made on the flow-through seawater monitoring system for measuring photosynthetic properties of phytoplankton. In 2009, the focus will shift to developing an oxygen sensor with fast response rate. Several porphyrine-based compounds will be investigated for suitability for oxygen-sensing. Efforts concentrate on improving the response time of the sensor in an aqueous environment while maintaining the instrument’s required sensitivity. The lab is also developing novel sensors based on long period gratings.