Transmissometer

A transmissometer is an instrument for measuring the extinction coefficient of the atmosphere, and for the determination of visual range. It operates by sending a narrow, collimated beam of energy (usually a laser) through the propagation medium. A narrow field of view receiver at the designated measurement distance determines how much energy is arriving at the detector, and determines the path transmission and/or extinction coefficient. Atmospheric extinction is wavelength dependent phenomenon, but the most common wavelength in use for transmissometers is 550 nm, which is in the middle of the visible waveband, and allows a good approximation of visual range.

Transmissometers are referred to as telephotometers, transmittance meters, or hazemeters.

The term transmissometer is also used by oceanographers and limnologists to refer to a device for measuring the optical properties of natural water. In this context, a transmissometer measures the transmittance or attenuation of incident radiation from a light source with a select wavelength, often 660 nm, through a defined cell volume.

Latest generation transmissometer technology makes use of a co-located forward scatter visibility sensor on the transmitter unit to allow for higher accuracies over an Extended Meteorological Optical Range or EMOR. After 10,000 meters the accuracy of transmissometer technology diminishes, and at higher visibilities forward scatter visibility sensor technology is more accurate. The co-location of the two sensors allows for the most accurate technology to be used when reporting current visibility. The forward scatter sensor also enables auto-alignment and auto-calibration of the transmissometer device.Hence it is very useful for oceanography and water optics study.

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