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optical properties at the level of individual cells and detrital particles in aquatic environments
(Iturriaga et ai., 1988; Iturriaga and Siegel, 1989). This technique has allowed the
identification of the components that are major contributors to attenuation within the
particulate assemblage. In addition, because of its capability to perform simultaneous particle
identification and optical characterization, microphotometric analysis has proven valuable for
understanding optical properties and variability at the level of individual cells and detrital
particulates in aquatic environments.
METHODOLOGY
Microphotometric system
The system is comprised of a universal microscope (Carl Zeiss) equipped with a type 03
photometer (Zeiss) interfaced with a tungsten-halogen light source (150W, Xenophot) and a
scanning monochromator (Type H-lO, Instruments SA, N.J.). The photomicroscope records
continuous transmission or fluorescence spectra from 400 to 750nm (Fig. 1).
PI I CROPROCE.SSOR
o
Figure 1. The photomicroscope system records continuous transmission or fluorescence spectra from 370 to 750
nm (100 discrete measurements per nm). Fluorescence spectra require a dark field condenser and
objectives equipped with an iris. A second monochromator is placed before the photomultiplier to run
emission spectra at a fixed wavelength, or to set the emission for excitation spectra.
optical properties at the level of individual cells and detrital particles in aquatic environments
(Iturriaga et ai., 1988; Iturriaga and Siegel, 1989). This technique has allowed the
identification of the components that are major contributors to attenuation within the
particulate assemblage. In addition, because of its capability to perform simultaneous particle
identification and optical characterization, microphotometric analysis has proven valuable for
understanding optical properties and variability at the level of individual cells and detrital
particulates in aquatic environments.
METHODOLOGY
Microphotometric system
The system is comprised of a universal microscope (Carl Zeiss) equipped with a type 03
photometer (Zeiss) interfaced with a tungsten-halogen light source (150W, Xenophot) and a
scanning monochromator (Type H-lO, Instruments SA, N.J.). The photomicroscope records
continuous transmission or fluorescence spectra from 400 to 750nm (Fig. 1).
PI I CROPROCE.SSOR
o
Figure 1. The photomicroscope system records continuous transmission or fluorescence spectra from 370 to 750
nm (100 discrete measurements per nm). Fluorescence spectra require a dark field condenser and
objectives equipped with an iris. A second monochromator is placed before the photomultiplier to run
emission spectra at a fixed wavelength, or to set the emission for excitation spectra.