Field proven high speed micro optical density profiler sampling 1000 times per second with 10/sup -6/ precision

A miniature fiber-optical point sea-refractometer with industrial prototype status has been developed for use in high-speed profiling applications. It can be used for a quick, precise survey of the density field of the ocean by directly measuring the index of refraction. Field data evaluation studies have shown that index of refraction profiles provide an extremely good representation of the actual density distribution. Significant correlation anomalies between CTD (current-temperature-density) derived density data and densities determined from index of refraction measurements have been observed. These differences can serve as parameters for a much more detailed description of bodies of water.<>