Underwater optics
My preparatory-class research project explored optical transmission through water. With a teammate, I studied how absorption and changing conditions, particularly salinity and temperature, affect a light beam.
Optical experiment in waterWhat happens to a light signal as it passes through changing water conditions?
The work combined literature research, a test setup and observations of beam absorption and deflection. The photographs document the photoreceiver support and saltwater tests.
Define
Choose the physical phenomena to study and the conditions to vary.
Build
Prepare an experimental support for the emitter and photoreceiver.
Observe
Compare absorption and refraction tests, including saltwater trials.
Interpret
Connect observations to optical models and the limits of the setup.
A simple experiment becomes useful when a variable is isolated and the observation can be explained.
The research file and photos support this work; I do not claim unmeasured transmission performance.