Open AccessMulti-method approach to quantify uncertainties in the measurements of light absorption by particles
Author(s) -
Aimee Neeley,
Scott A. Freeman,
Lora A. Harris
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.031043
Subject(s) - optics , absorption (acoustics) , measurement uncertainty , accuracy and precision , wavelength , materials science , optical density , physics , mathematics , statistics
Through technological and research advances, numerous methods and protocols have emerged to estimate spectral absorption of light by particles, a p, in an aquatic medium. However, the level of agreement among measurements remains elusive. We employed a multi-method approach to estimate the measurement precision of measuring optical density of particles on a filter pad using two common spectrophotometric methods, and the determination precision, or uncertainty, of the computational techniques for estimating a p for six ocean color wavelengths (412, 443, 490, 510, 555, 670 nm). The optical densities measured with the two methods exhibited a significant, positive correlation. Optical density measurement precision ranged from 0.061%-63% and exhibited a significant, positive correlation. Multi-method uncertainty ranged from 7.48%-119%. Values of a p at 555 nm and 670 nm exhibited the highest values of uncertainty. Poor performance of modeled a p compared to determined a p suggest uncertainties are propagated into bio-optical algorithms.