A Data-Gathering System for Studying Underwater Light and Bioluminescence

A data-gathering system has been developed for studying the properties of underwater light and bioluminescence. The photodetector output is used to generate a count-rate distribution that is characteristic of the light being observed. Proper analysis of this distribution reveals the presence of bioluminescence and greatly enhances the signal-detection capabilities of the system. Results of sea operations off Santa Barbara, California, are presented.