LIGHT-PROPAGATION IN BIOLOGICAL-MATERIALS AND NATURAL-WATERS

Methods for modelling the behaviour of light in materials which not on ly absorb, but also scatter light are reviewed, with special emphasis on the Monte Carlo method and Kubelka-Munk theory as applied to biolog ical samples. Two methods for checking model performance are also desc ribed, namely determination of photon transit times and fiberoptic mea surement of light inside tissues. The directional distribution of ligh t in natural waters, both near the surface and at great depth is descr ibed, as well as a computer program for modelling underwater spectral irradiance. The relation between irradiance and fluence rate is explai ned, and a method for estimating underwater fluence rate from irradian ce measurements briefly described.