| The equation of radiative transfer is solved by the Monte Carlo method to investigate factors affecting underwater visibility. In the first section, theoretical designs are presented and analyzed for two related instruments that measure the absorption and scattering coefficients of natural waters. Both instruments incorporate a flow-through configuration and are designed to make measurements in situ. The first instrument, a simpler form of the second, measures only the absorption coefficient, while the second measures both the absorption and scattering coefficients. In addition, the effects of the geometry of the absorption meter are investigated in order to find a suitable combination of instrument size and performance. The second section examines the use of Mueller matrix imaging to improve underwater imaging systems. The complete effective backscattering Mueller matrix is calculated for a model system consisting of a target embedded in a scattering and absorbing medium. The inherent optical properties of the medium are varied to determine their effect on the imaging system. The benefits of using Mueller matrix imaging and circular polarization for underwater imaging systems are discussed. |
