During the last 15 years, over 450 exoplanets (planets outside our own Solar System) have been discovered. Due to the nature of the discovery techniques, most of these planets are large — more like Jupiter than Earth — and orbit close to their parent star. While a small number of smaller, rocky planets (Super Earths) have been found, the discovery of a true ‘exoearth’ in the habitable zone around its parent star is still beyond the capabilities of our technology. However, in preparation for such a discovery which is likely within the next decade or so, there is considerable interest in how to characterize such planets and their atmospheres. (more…)

An investigation was performed to determine the long-term stability of the T-300 probe in seawater, as well as a comparative analysis with a Ross pH electrode. Seawater was obtained locally from a Dunedin, FL marina, and the test was performed isothermally in an environmental chamber at 25°C. An Ocean Optics USB2000 spectrometer was used with a 200?m slit and grating #2 with no lens installed. (more…)

Goal
There was an interest in non-intrusively monitoring pH in tubes containing wet soil samples. This was significant for a number of reasons; this was the first time the reflective patches were to be tested in something other than a cuvette, on a curved surface rather, and this was also the first time an analyte solution was observed that contained sediment or turbidity. (more…)

Goal:
To measure oxygen for the purpose of detecting methane gas. (more…)

Goal:
Non-intrusive Reflective pH Sensing in Tubes of Muddied/Sediment Water (more…)