Mapping of phytoplankton by solar-stimulated fluorescence using an imaging spectrometer

Abstract

We present here the first example of a remote sensing image of the solar-stimulated fluorescence emission from marine phytoplankton. The measurements were made with a prototype imaging spectrometer (the Fluorescence Line Imager, FLI) designed to have sufficient sensitivity and spectral resolution to detect and map the relatively narrow band solar-stimulated chlorophyll fluorescence emission at 685 nm. The narrow band fluorescence signal can be relatively easily separated from other components of the backscattered radiance and can give information on the physiological state of the phytoplankton. Successful imaging using this technique demonstrates a new capability in remote sensing of the oceans.