For over five decades, RBR has been engaged in the development of high-accuracy and high-resolution oceanographic sensors designed for a wide range of aquatic environments. These sensors have been deployed in diverse settings, from polar regions in both hemispheres to deep ocean basins, coastal estuaries, and inland water bodies. The focus has consistently been on providing reliable measurements to support scientific research and environmental monitoring.
More recently, efforts have been directed toward the development of optical sensors tailored to the requirements of the Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) program. This initiative emphasizes the need for sensors that combine high performance with long-term stability while operating within strict power constraints. The challenge is to maintain the precision and durability required for long-duration autonomous deployments without excessive energy consumption.
This presentation will provide an overview of the ongoing development of optical sensors, including key design considerations and advancements in calibration methods. A comparative analysis of different design approaches will be discussed, highlighting the trade-offs involved in optimizing for power efficiency, measurement accuracy, and robustness in challenging oceanic conditions. The goal is to contribute to the broader understanding of sensor technology evolution in the context of autonomous biogeochemical observations.