MRI: Development of a Refractive Gradiometer Probe for Oceanic Microstructure

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

The PIs request funding for the development of an interferometric refractive index sensor optimized for small scales and high sample rates, with the goals of resolving the dissipation spectrum of salinity and the dissipation co-spectrum of temperature and salinity. The proposed development will also be used to explore the potential for an absolute index sensor. The proposed instrumentation would be applicable for investigating salinity micro-structure, including gradients at the surface microlayer, and contribute to a greater understanding of ocean mixing. Broader impacts The broader impacts of the proposal lie in developing and making available new instrumentation capable of measuring salinity at scales that have not yet been achieved, offering the potential for advancing knowledge about microstructure and ocean mixing. The proposal also discusses commercial transition of the instrumentation upon development for broader availability of the instrumentation to the oceanographic community. The proposal outlines involvement of a college student during summer and school breaks in the instrumentation development.