LUMIS
Our primary applications for LUMIS are in situ studies of (1) phytoplankton taxa and spatial variations; and (2) coral fluorescent pigment distributions. We have conducted plankton-related experiments in oligotrophic (Gulf of Eilat, Red Sea), eutrophic (Saanich Inlet, B.C., Canada), and coastal (coast off San Diego, California) waters. In these experiments, a 60 cm x 60 cm x 0.75 cm volume was illuminated by a laser through a fiber optic cable, yielding a sampled volume of about 3 L. Preliminary analysis indicates that the data contain information about phytoplankton patchiness. In addition, the multispectral property of the data provides insight into the spatial variation of blue-green algae with respect to green algae. To date, we have only conducted coral experiments in exhibit tanks (Scripps Aquarium). The sample images indicate strong chlorophyll fluorescence (680 nm band) and weaker levels of fluorescence in the other bands.
LUMIS is based upon a Photometrics camera that utilizes a 1024x1024 pixel, liquid-cooled CCD chip with 14 bit resolution. Unlike more conventional, non-scientific cameras, this device has the advantage of being radiometrically calibrated.
A custom four-lens fiber optic assembly interfaces with the chip.
Input from each of the lenses is mapped to a specific quadrant on the CCD chip via fiber optic waveguides. Multispectral images may be acquired by placing a different filter in front of each lens.
In addition, the high sensitivity (10-4 lux) of this camera makes it ideal for capturing fluorescence events and its four spectral channels permit simultaneous recording at different wavelengths. To our knowledge this unique camera system is the only underwater, low-light level, multispectral instrument in existence.
Jaffe lab Group.
LUMIS Viewports | 
LUMIS Housing and Frame | 
LUMIS Internal components |
Coral Fluorescence @ Birch Aquarium | 
Coral Fluorescence @ Birch Aquarium 2 | |
Eilat 1997 | 
Saanich Inlet 1997 | 
San Diego 1997 |
